David Matei (19) was one of the standout names at the end of the season for Universitatea Craiova. The midfielder, who came from Steaua, scored in the decisive match against Universitatea Cluj and contributed to the team's remarkable achievements: winning the league and the Romanian Cup.

His father, Paul Matei, spoke about this journey and the moment Dinamo lost David to the Oltenian team. In the game against Universitatea Cluj, David opened the scoring for Craiova and was one of the players who set the tone for the series. After the match, he brought his parents onto the pitch, dedicating the goal to his father on that very day. For the family, the emotions were overwhelming. Paul Matei said he couldn't sleep after the match and that the end of the season was experienced with an intensity hard to explain.

The transfer from Steaua was a significant moment. In addition to Universitatea Craiova, other options for David Matei included Dinamo, Hermannstadt, and FC Argeș. Paul Matei revealed that Dinamo was interested, but the discussions did not progress. The issue was not about money, but about the proposed sports plan. Andrei Nicolescu reportedly said there was a possibility that David could be loaned out initially. For the player's family, this was not an acceptable option.

Ultimately, the choice belonged to the player. The family did not interfere in the decision, and David chose Craiova, convinced by Mirel Rădoi and Mario Felgueiras. "David has won everywhere he has played since he started playing football. At ten, he was named the best player at a competition organized by FRF. With Dinamo, he won in Bulgaria at Bansko, and at Steaua, he was the top midfielder at a tournament in Tulcea just two days after joining the team. Interest came from Dinamo, Hermannstadt, and FC Argeș," Paul Matei added.

Andrei Nicolescu now regrets missing out on David. It wasn't about money but about the initial loan possibility, which Paul Matei felt was unfair.