Midfielder Artur Ionita was named the Moldovan Footballer of the Year in 2014. The Hellas Verona winger bested Alexandru Epureanu and Ilie Cebanu to the award, IPN reports.
The 24 year old didn't attend the Football Gala because he is in Italy with his team. Ionita missed yesterday, December 14, the game against Udinese because of an injury. He is the first Moldovan to score in Serie A.
Lilian Popescu was named Coach of the Year for his achievements with Veris Chisinau. However, after the Violets' withdrawal from the league, Popescu signed with FC Tiraspol. “I share the merit for this award with everyone, beginning with the driver and ending with the chairman. I thank the boys, the technical and the administrative staff. For me, Veris remains the most beautiful period in my career”, Lilian Popescu told reporters.
Sheriff's Serhei Pascenco won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Petru Racu, ex-Veris, was recognized as the best defender in 2014, Zimbru's Alexandru Dedov took the award in midfield and Sheriff's Radu Ginsari in attack. “I had a successful year with Veris. We achieved the goals we set at the end of the previous season and before the club withdrew, we topped the table. I also played regularly, without injuries or suspensions”, said Petru Racu.