Ion Timofte
Encyclopedia
Ion Timofte is a retired Romania
n footballer who played as attacking midfielder or left winger. He is widely considered to have been the best player in Boavista F.C.'s centenary history.
, and made his first football steps in his hometown club Minerul Anina before moving to lower league side CSM Reşiţa. He debuted in Divizia A with Politehnica Timişoara
in 1989, and spent there two seasons, Timofte quickly became a key player for Timişoara, chipping in with goals and assists. He played a big role in Timişoara's win over Atlético Madrid in their UEFA Cup
campaign in 1990–91. His impressive displays there caught the attention of Portuguese club FC Porto who signed him immediately.
, then manager of Porto, gave him his league debut away at Estoril Praia on 24 August 1991, scoring his first goal in a 2–0 win. Timofte would play three seasons for the Portuguese club winning the league in 1992 and 1993. He quickly showed his immense value and scored vital goals in those campaigns. He pointed out two decisive goals against derby rivals Benfica in their 1–0 and 3–2 victories in O Clássico
. However, his relationship with the President deteriorated rapidly, and he left the club in 1994.
The Romanian playmaker decided to join the bitter rivals, Boavista
.
during six successful seasons and in his new home he found a new tactical system that would allow him to release all his might. Boavista
played with two defensive midfielders covering the spaces behind him and allowing great freedom for the skilful man.
For half dozen years, the Romanian genius spread his art and lead Boavista
to an era of success. His left foot was of such an unparalleled trickery, precision and power that he soon became one of the most admired and feared players in the Portuguese Liga. As Timofte represented the black and white colours, a whole generation of youthful supporters grew trying to reproduce their hero's magic.
Timofte had his best season in 1998–99 after the arrival of the new manager, Jaime Pacheco
. In that season he commanded an impressive team with players like Litos, Paulo Jorge Sousa
, Erwin Sánchez
, Jorge Couto
or Rui Bento
to a surprising title challenge.
The season was marked by historical victories over Boavista's main rivals, Porto and Benfica, in their own stadiums. The number 7 was instrumental in their 3–0 away win against Benfica but it was his match against FC Porto that would change the season and live forever in the collective memory of his club. The derby was played early on the season and won with a 2–0 result of which Timofte scored the first goal with a thundering shot, stroke 40m away from goal. That was his greatest goal and one work of art that would catapult Boavista. The title challenge was only halted by the polemic refereeing in two matches drawn by Boavista at Chaves and Farense. In duels surrounded by controversy, the "Axadrezados" would have, respectively, two and three players sent off. Timofte was one of the players to see the red card against Chaves and that was to be his only order to leave the pitch in his marvellous career. The two draws proved to be fatal, Boavista lost the deserved title to Porto, and that honour was snapped from the player who most deserved it.
The next season would be the last opportunity to witness Timofte's talent. It began with the qualifier for the Champions League
against Danish champions, Brøndby
. Timofte played both matches and made an outstanding assist in Boavista's away victory 2–1 in the first leg. The second leg would be the most extraordinary match in club's history until then. A late dramatic goal gave Brøndby
a 2–1 victory and sent the tie to extra-time but those crucial 30 minutes saw Boavista
scoring three goals to book its first present in Europe's most important club competition.
Timofte would be injured for most part of the season but he still managed to score a goal in the 1–1 drawn against Feyenoord in Rotterdam
.
In the last day of that season, Timofte played its final match against Braga. In the most deeply touched atmosphere, Boavista
supporters said farewell to their eternal number 7.
The most extraordinary player in their History
was no more but the love for the club survived in Timofte's heart.
After his retirement, as prove of his love for the club, Timofte opened a restaurant and a hotel in his hometown, Timişoara
, both called Boavista
.
In 18 May 2001, Timofte flew all the way back from Timişoara
to Oporto to witness his beloved club clinch its first national title. At last, he was able to celebrate in the stands the honour he so much deserved to have received in the pitch.
in 1991 against Switzerland
. He got his last cap in 1995, bringing the total tally to 10 caps and 1 goal. He scored his only goal for Romania
in a friendly away match led by coach Mircea Rădulescu
on 17 April 1991 in a 2–0 win against Spain
. In an age when football globalisation was only starting, Romanian coach Anghel Iordănescu
, unaware of Timofte's achievements, dropped the star in favour of players such as Adrian Ilie
, Constantin Gâlcă and Ilie Dumitrescu
.
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
n footballer who played as attacking midfielder or left winger. He is widely considered to have been the best player in Boavista F.C.'s centenary history.
Early career
Timofte was born in AninaAnina
Anina is a town in southwestern Romania, in Caraş-Severin County, with a population of 10,886 in 2000. The town administers one village, Steierdorf.In 2002, the oldest modern human remains in Europe were discovered in a cave near Anina...
, and made his first football steps in his hometown club Minerul Anina before moving to lower league side CSM Reşiţa. He debuted in Divizia A with Politehnica Timişoara
FC Politehnica Timişoara
Fotbal Club Politehnica Timişoara is a Romanian football club which was established in 1921 and is currently playing in Romania's second league, Liga II...
in 1989, and spent there two seasons, Timofte quickly became a key player for Timişoara, chipping in with goals and assists. He played a big role in Timişoara's win over Atlético Madrid in their UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
campaign in 1990–91. His impressive displays there caught the attention of Portuguese club FC Porto who signed him immediately.
Porto
In July 1991, Timofte officially signed for The Dragons and was one of the main pillars of Porto's midfield, which dominated the Portuguese Liga for two consecutive years. Carlos Alberto SilvaCarlos Alberto Silva
For the Colombian cyclist with the same name see Carlos Silva Carlos Alberto Silva , is a Brazilian football manager, currently football director of Atlético Mineiro....
, then manager of Porto, gave him his league debut away at Estoril Praia on 24 August 1991, scoring his first goal in a 2–0 win. Timofte would play three seasons for the Portuguese club winning the league in 1992 and 1993. He quickly showed his immense value and scored vital goals in those campaigns. He pointed out two decisive goals against derby rivals Benfica in their 1–0 and 3–2 victories in O Clássico
O Clássico
SL Benfica vs FC Porto, or O Clássico, is the most important match in Portuguese football. Many see this as the new power in Portuguese football versus the traditional strong force .It became one of the greatest classics of the world."Lisbon shows off while Porto works," is the adage used to...
. However, his relationship with the President deteriorated rapidly, and he left the club in 1994.
The Romanian playmaker decided to join the bitter rivals, Boavista
Boavista FC
Boavista Futebol Clube, commonly known as Boavista , is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Porto. Founded on 1 August 1903, it is one of the oldest clubs in the country, and currently plays in the third division...
.
Boavista
Timofte was received with the greatest of expectations but he did not fail to deliver as his nickname, O Deus Romeno (The Romanian God) testifies. He played for BoavistaBoavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
during six successful seasons and in his new home he found a new tactical system that would allow him to release all his might. Boavista
Boavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
played with two defensive midfielders covering the spaces behind him and allowing great freedom for the skilful man.
For half dozen years, the Romanian genius spread his art and lead Boavista
Boavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
to an era of success. His left foot was of such an unparalleled trickery, precision and power that he soon became one of the most admired and feared players in the Portuguese Liga. As Timofte represented the black and white colours, a whole generation of youthful supporters grew trying to reproduce their hero's magic.
Timofte had his best season in 1998–99 after the arrival of the new manager, Jaime Pacheco
Jaime Pacheco
Jaime Moreira Pacheco is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a central midfielder, and a current manager.During his career he played, among others, for F.C. Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal...
. In that season he commanded an impressive team with players like Litos, Paulo Jorge Sousa
Paulo Jorge Sousa
Paulo Jorge Ferreira de Sousa is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a right defender.-External links:**...
, Erwin Sánchez
Erwin Sánchez
Erwin Sánchez Freking is a retired Bolivian footballer.Dubbed Platini, he played as an attacking midfielder, with scoring range...
, Jorge Couto
Jorge Couto
Jorge António Pinto do Couto is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a right winger.-Football career:...
or Rui Bento
Rui Bento
Rui Fernando da Silva Calapez Pereira Bento is a retired Portuguese footballer and a current coach.During his playing days he played mostly as a central defender.-Club career:Bento first represented S.L...
to a surprising title challenge.
The season was marked by historical victories over Boavista's main rivals, Porto and Benfica, in their own stadiums. The number 7 was instrumental in their 3–0 away win against Benfica but it was his match against FC Porto that would change the season and live forever in the collective memory of his club. The derby was played early on the season and won with a 2–0 result of which Timofte scored the first goal with a thundering shot, stroke 40m away from goal. That was his greatest goal and one work of art that would catapult Boavista. The title challenge was only halted by the polemic refereeing in two matches drawn by Boavista at Chaves and Farense. In duels surrounded by controversy, the "Axadrezados" would have, respectively, two and three players sent off. Timofte was one of the players to see the red card against Chaves and that was to be his only order to leave the pitch in his marvellous career. The two draws proved to be fatal, Boavista lost the deserved title to Porto, and that honour was snapped from the player who most deserved it.
The next season would be the last opportunity to witness Timofte's talent. It began with the qualifier for the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
against Danish champions, Brøndby
Brøndby IF
Brøndby IF is a Danish professional football club based in Brøndbyvester, Brøndby, on the western outskirts of Copenhagen and is the biggest football club in Denmark with almost 2000 members. The club is also known as Brøndbyernes Idrætsforening, or Brøndby and BIF for short...
. Timofte played both matches and made an outstanding assist in Boavista's away victory 2–1 in the first leg. The second leg would be the most extraordinary match in club's history until then. A late dramatic goal gave Brøndby
Brøndby IF
Brøndby IF is a Danish professional football club based in Brøndbyvester, Brøndby, on the western outskirts of Copenhagen and is the biggest football club in Denmark with almost 2000 members. The club is also known as Brøndbyernes Idrætsforening, or Brøndby and BIF for short...
a 2–1 victory and sent the tie to extra-time but those crucial 30 minutes saw Boavista
Boavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
scoring three goals to book its first present in Europe's most important club competition.
Timofte would be injured for most part of the season but he still managed to score a goal in the 1–1 drawn against Feyenoord in Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
.
In the last day of that season, Timofte played its final match against Braga. In the most deeply touched atmosphere, Boavista
Boavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
supporters said farewell to their eternal number 7.
The most extraordinary player in their History
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
was no more but the love for the club survived in Timofte's heart.
After his retirement, as prove of his love for the club, Timofte opened a restaurant and a hotel in his hometown, Timişoara
Timisoara
Timișoara is the capital city of Timiș County, in western Romania. One of the largest Romanian cities, with an estimated population of 311,586 inhabitants , and considered the informal capital city of the historical region of Banat, Timișoara is the main social, economic and cultural center in the...
, both called Boavista
Boavista
Circuito da Boavista was a street circuit in Oporto , Portugal used twice for the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix.The course began at the harbor-front "Esplanada do Rio de Janeiro", continued on "Avenida da Boavista" , and then twisted its way through small neighborhoods back to the start-finish...
.
In 18 May 2001, Timofte flew all the way back from Timişoara
Timisoara
Timișoara is the capital city of Timiș County, in western Romania. One of the largest Romanian cities, with an estimated population of 311,586 inhabitants , and considered the informal capital city of the historical region of Banat, Timișoara is the main social, economic and cultural center in the...
to Oporto to witness his beloved club clinch its first national title. At last, he was able to celebrate in the stands the honour he so much deserved to have received in the pitch.
International career
He made his debut for the Romanian national teamRomania national football team
The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first three World Cups.However, after that...
in 1991 against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
. He got his last cap in 1995, bringing the total tally to 10 caps and 1 goal. He scored his only goal for Romania
Romania national football team
The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first three World Cups.However, after that...
in a friendly away match led by coach Mircea Rădulescu
Mircea Rădulescu
Mircea Rădulescu is a former Romanian football player and one of the most well trained and qualified Romanian football managers. He is currently the president of FRF's Technical Commission and director of Football Federation's Coaching School.-Life and career:Rădulescu was born in Bucharest and...
on 17 April 1991 in a 2–0 win against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
. In an age when football globalisation was only starting, Romanian coach Anghel Iordănescu
Anghel Iordanescu
Anghel Iordănescu is a Major General and former Romanian football striker, currently a politician. In 2007 Iordănescu retired from football, and the following February, after his predecessor resigned, he became a member of the Romanian Senate, sitting on the Social Democratic Party benches.-Career...
, unaware of Timofte's achievements, dropped the star in favour of players such as Adrian Ilie
Adrian Ilie
-Career as football player:Young Ilie started to play football for Electroputere Craiova from a very early age. In 1991, aged 17, he made his debut for the first team...
, Constantin Gâlcă and Ilie Dumitrescu
Ilie Dumitrescu
Ilie Dumitrescu is a former Romanian football player and current coach, he last managed Steaua Bucureşti. A tricky forward, he shot to fame when his frontline partnership with Gheorghe Hagi and Florin Răducioiu led the Romania national football team to the 1994 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal,...
.
FC Porto
- Portuguese LigaPortuguese LigaThe Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
: 1991–92, 1992–93 - Portuguese Cup: 1993–94
- Portuguese SuperCup: 1991, 1993