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Cristian Chivu (born October 26, 1980 in Resita, Romania) is a Romanian footballer currently playing with AS Roma. He is an influential defender despite his young age.
He first played football as a professional at CSM Resita and later Universitatea Craiova, both being Romanian teams. While at Universitatea Craiova, the Dutch giant Ajax Amsterdam took notice and recruited him in 1999. In the same year, he was chosen to represent Romania Under-20 team.
It was at Ajax when he developed a reputation as a reliable back. The Ajax manager at that time, Ronald Koeman realized the Romanians authority on the field and made him captain of the team in 2001. Under Chivu captainship, Ajax dominated the Dutch Eredivisie for a few years along with the contribution of other sensational young Ajax players such as Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has been instrumental in helping Ajax making through to the respected UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2002.
In 2003, Roma expressed interest in getting Chivu's service. At first, there were a few dispute in the purchase. Roma had an enormous debt and there was a possibility of Roma not being able to pay the promised sum. Later, Roma failed to get a bank guarantee before the transfer deadline. Eventually however, Roma purchased the Romanian for 18 millions.
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