Former Real Madrid and Steaua Bucharest midfielder Gheorghe Hagi is ready to take over as Romania's new coach, his agent said today.
Hagi, who ended his playing career last month, would replace Ladislau Boloni, who resigned last week to join Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
"Hagi is ready to sign with Romania his first contract as coach next Tuesday or Wednesday," agent Ioan Becali told Reuters.
"He has only to clarify a few technical and administrative details with the Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF)".
Becali said talks had progressed smoothly between Hagi and the FRF today and that money was not a significant issue.
"The financial aspect is not important for Hagi, so to sign the deal is only a problem of time," Becali said.
Hagi was not available for comment today.
"It's an honour for any former player to coach the national team of his country," Hagi told Reuters in an interview earlier in the week. "I think I could do a good job after 26 years spent in soccer, of which 18 were as a professional player."
"I'm well prepared to inspire a team, to implement my ideas on the pitch. Soccer has no secret for me and I can lead a strong European club or a national team through victory."
Hagi, 36, played 125 matches for Romania and scored 35 goals. He played 86 matches as captain and also played for Barcelona, Brescia and Galatasaray.
He last played for Romania's national team at the Euro 2000 finals.
Romania currently lie in second place in European World Cup group eight. -Reuters