Ciprian Marica

Ciprian Andrei Marica (born October 2, 1985 in Bucharest, Romania) is a Romanian Football (soccer) who currently plays for VfB Stuttgart. He is also a regular in the Romanian national team. He is a forward known for his pace and dribbling.

On July 23, 2007 he transferred to current German champions, VfB Stuttgart, after his former club, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, rejected another offer, from English team Derby County amongst interest from Manchester City. Marica signed a 5-year contract and the transfer fee is estimated to 8 million euros, the highest amount Stuttgart have ever paid for a player. Stuttgart sporting director Horst Heldt said: "Ciprian is a very flexible forward, and a permanent thorn in the side of any opposition defence, who fits outstandingly into our team. He wanted to join us desperately."

On 25 March, 2008 he was decorated by the president of România, Traian Băsescu for the results on UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group G and qualification to UEFA Euro 2008 Group C with Medalia "Meritul Sportiv" — (The Medal "The Sportive Merit") class III.

Marica made his debut for VfB in the Bundesliga (football) on August 12, 2007.

Honours

Team

- Ukrainian Premier League: Ukrainian Premier League 2004-05, Ukrainian Premier League 2005-06 with FC Shakhtar Donetsk
- Ukrainian Cup: 2004 with FC Shakhtar Donetsk
- Ukrainian Super Cup: 2005 with FC Shakhtar Donetsk

- Divizia A: 2002, 2004 with Dinamo Bucureşti
- Romanian Cup: 2003, 2004 with Dinamo Bucureşti

International goals