Gheorghe Hagi awarded the Star of Romania national order

According to the Romanian News Agency (Agerpres), the "Star of Romania" (Steaua Romaniei) National Order, the highest state honor and knighthood in Romania, was awarded to Hagi in recognition of his achievements throughout his sports career, as well as his active efforts to promote football among younger generations.

"WE ARE ALL ACTUALLY WORKING FOR ROMANIA"

Speaking at the ceremony, Hagi stated that he was proud to receive this honor, emphasizing that Romania must invest in society to achieve success and cultivate talented athletes.

Expressing that he has done his best for Romania, Hagi said, "All clubs and all of us are actually working for Romania, because competing with the best and achieving successful results is a challenging process."

"KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED IS PERMANENT FOR LIFE"

Stating that education received at an early age has a more lasting impact, Hagi said, "We must know how children should be guided in schools until the age of 18. Individuals who mature from the age of 19 enter into competition with the best and continue to learn constantly during this process. The knowledge acquired is permanent for life."

Widely considered the best footballer his country has ever produced and the man who led Galatasaray to its golden age (1995-2001), Hagi successfully helped his country advance from the group stages in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups.

Romania had its best World Cup tournament with Hagi in 1994, reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.

Hagi wore the Romanian national team jersey 125 times.

News Source: 12punto