Steaua Bucharest starlet Ianis Stoica scores on professional debut in Romanian Cup — at tender age of just 14

A STEAUA BUCHAREST player made history last night when scored on his professional debut at the age of 14.

Ianis Stoica played the final 30 minutes of the clash third tier Sanatatea Cluj, entering with the Romanian giants 5-1 ahead.

And, at just 14 years, ten months and 17 days young, added a sixth in stoppage time.

Speaking after the match, he said: “This debut and this goal came after my hard work.

“I have been playing football for eight years and spent all of my life in the sport. I train twice a day.”

his father Pompiliu Stoica is a former Steaua player himself, having been with the former European champions from 2000 to 2004.

And Stoica Jnr revealed he went to his dad for advice once he knew he would be in the squad.

He added: “My father had explained to me how important it is to wear the Steaua shirt and how heavy it can be.

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“When I was told I was going to be in the matchday squad, it felt great.

“I knew on Sunday and this gave me a lot of confidence.

“It was incredible — I think I’ll write a book about this game.”

Remarkably, Stoica wasn’t the only 14-year-old to make his professional debut in the Romanian Cup last night.

Champions Viitorul Constanta, managed by the country’s greatest-ever player Gheorghe Hagi, had TWO players under the age of 15 when they won 4-2 away CSM Resita.

And the average age of their squad was 19.73.

Nicolae Dobrin made an appearance at the age of 14 years, ten months and five days, while Roberto Malaele was younger still at 14 years, six months and 26 days.

Hagi’s Viitorul squad is made up almost entirely of young, local talent.