Alexandru Mitrita, 10 Things to Know

Alexandru Mitriță joined New York City FC as the Club’s third Designated Player on Monday morning.

Here’s ten things you should know about our latest signing…

1 Alexandru was club captain at Universitatea Craiova and leaves Romania’s Liga 1 as the top-scorer in the 2018/19 season with 12 goals scored from 16 starts.

2 Alexandru started his pro career at FC Viitorul Constanța, the club founded by soccer legend Georghe Hagi.

3 Hagi starred in USA ’94 (one year before Alexandru was born) and helped Romania to a best-ever finish at a World Cup (QFs). Mitriță credits the former Barcelona playmaker as one of the most important figures in his formative years as a player.

4 NYCFC’s newest acquisition has the words of another former Romanian international, Ilie Balaci, tattooed on the back of neck: “distreaza-te pe teren” (“have fun on the ground”). In Alexandru’s words: “I was at a party where we were at a table together. He [Balaci] told me that I had moments when I got out of the game and he told me that when he played, he was having fun on the field. That's what I have to do when I play, to have fun on the ground. I appreciate these words and will remain eternally in my heart."

5 The 23-year old first started watching MLS when Sebastian Giovinco came to the league with Toronto FC as he considers the Italian one of his favorite players. His absolute favorite players growing up were two Argentines: Man City’s Sergio Aguero and FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

6 Alexandru repped Romania at every youth age-group from U-17 level up to his senior debut on March 24, 2018 vs. Israel. He has since gone on to win six caps for his country, going undefeated in the early stages of his international career.

7 He will wear the no.28 jersey for New York City FC, becoming the first Romanian to represent the Boys in Blue.

8 When Mitriță lands back in New York City after the Abu Dhabi leg of preseason, it will be his first time in the United States.

9 There is a thriving Romanian community in New York City for Alexandru to enjoy when he gets here and the City recognizes it too, celebrating “Romania Day” every May on Broadway.

10 Away from soccer, Mitriță has two dogs, named Frank and Bentley and likes watching movies to unwind.