Accused of refusing to be called up to the Romanian U20 national team, Cătălin Cîrjan (Arsenal footballer) was concerned by the way the FRF and the media presented his situation and gave explanations.

“They started looking for me when they realized I’m not dead”, “they wanted to compromise me, say it’s nothing to do with me” or “I feel useless, the only thing that makes them notice me is that Arsenal is written on my shirts” are just some of the things that upset Katalin Kirzhan in her relationship with FRF.

Below are some excerpts from the interview conducted by PlaySport. The entire material can be read here.

Ketalin Kiryan: “I was not satisfied that Emil Sandoi did not call me up to the U21, but I respected his decision”

“In order for the world to understand exactly how everything happened, I must say from the beginning that I received an invitation to the U21 national team. Arsenal asked me if I wanted to take part and I immediately agreed.

Two days before the announcement of the party, Mr. Sendoi called me and recommended that I still go to U20. You see it didn’t agree with me at first and I argued why it wasn’t right for him to act like that. But I told him I respected his decision not to call me.

He told me that he would consult with your colleagues and they would make a decision. “We keep in touch,” were his last words. I did not get in touch, then I found out that I was not included in any party.

I respected the decision not to call me up for the U21s. I would never speak if the events were not happening now. My family and my agent advised me not to make any announcements, because it is not professional to get fired up before important matches of the national team. I respected that. It would be disrespectful to everyone involved in the matches of the last few days.

But those from the federation did not behave so professionally. It all started with Mr. Sandoy’s statements. He was not even asked by the press about my case, he answered on his own initiative on FRF TV, the online platform of the federation. A kind of “we ask and answer…” – Katalin Kirzhan for PlaySport.

Amateurism in FRF behavior – Mihai Stoichiță makes changes

“There were no relations (nor with the FRF). I was always ignored and shunned. When I was seriously injured twice, no one in the entire federation was looking for me. Not that I need anything, but maybe I need a good word from someone. I have survived two major surgeries.

I think it’s a mistake to blame me for not playing in the Arsenal first team. I am in the number one team in the best world championship. I’m in the starting line-up, I’ve come on as a substitute in 4 games and I think Arsenal will see something in me if they extend my contract.

Per Mertesacker told me that I had done the right thing by telling them that the move to the U20s wasn’t right for me, and he said he couldn’t believe the amateurishness of the FRF’s behaviour.

I am unable to speak about (Andrei) Kubish and (Daniel) Boloka, I do not know their reasons. There are others in the same situation, including Wolverhampton’s Theo Corbeanu. The technical director of the national team named him “Kodryana”. He should at least know the names of the players when he talks about them.

A scene happened to me too. At one point, Mr. Geolgau came up to me and said, “Ooh, what are you doing, baby? I’m glad to see you!” At first I was surprised, I knew he was talking bad about me and my brother Daniel. When he came to me, I realized that he had confused me and said: “I didn’t want to greet you.” He turned turned his back on me and left me with an outstretched hand.There is discrimination in the parties, some are taken by the head and held down, while others are clearly shown that they are not needed there.

Mr. Iordenescu recently said that he loves the talent of the Romanian players, but this he hates their mentality. We should also look a little at those who are placed there to create a basis for developing thinking.

Since I was scolded by Mr. (Daniel) Mogoshanu, who was the breeder, no one ever scolded me. All kinds of invented reasons, that I’m not sitting well, that I had to move not to one side, but to the other. I repeat, it was during the warm-up. Now I realized that the whole circus was done with self-sacrifice, I am no longer a child. They wanted to take away my confidence and make me lose focus

The changes were made not by the coach, but by Mr. Stojčice. He was sending one of his men to pass the changes to the trainers, and my father, who was nearby, saw him. Other people who have been there can confirm. At the end of the match, Mr. Stojčice turned to my father and gestured to him to shut his mouth, as if I was a weak football player who had nothing to comment on” – Katalin Kirzhan.

The national flag of Romania is a national flag of various interests

“I was struck by the fact that my post on Instagram was considered a response to the address of Hagi Cathedral. I will never answer him no matter what. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Hagi and Janis. My post was directed at those who flooded my accounts with vile messages beyond your imagination.

A lot of lies have been written about me in recent days. This phase with “sources close to the player” saying I am ending my national team career is a shame. What withdrawal when I didn’t even have time to play?

You’ve heard it from the other guys too, but it was really my little dream (not to play for the national team). Unfortunately, many people do not know that the Romanian national team is no longer Romania, it is a national team of different interests, and I am not there because I do not represent these interests.

If I ever play for Romania, I will do it with responsibility for my country. I am not coming for Mr. Stojkica, Sandoj or anyone else, I am coming for my country. I will never give up on the Romanian national team, no matter how someone tries to leave such an impression” – Katalin Kirzhan.

Katalin Kiryan was recruited by Arsenal in 2019 from Viitorul Domneşti. The midfielder has made 12 appearances for Arsenal’s under-23s this season, scoring once.