I left Leicester as I couldn’t see clear path to first team

2017 ACADEMY PLAYER OF SEASON ON WHY HE LEFT THE KING POWER

ALEX Pascanu has explained he chose to leave Leicester City for CFR Cluj because he wanted an opportunity to “play and grow”,

The young defender departed the King Power Stadium at the end of August, heading to his native Romania to join the country’s reigning champions in a £500,000 deal.

Pascanu, who joined City’s academy aged eight, had signed a new contract at the club earlier in the summer, but left Leicester because he believes he will be given more first-team chances at Cluj, who will compete in the Europa League this season.

Pascanu played in 15 of 22 Premier League 2 fixtures for City Under-23s last term, operating at centre-back or right-back and establishing himself as one of the key members of the development squad, having been named academy player of the season in 2017.

However, with City well-stocked in defence at senior level, Pascanu could see a clearer path to first-team football away from the King Power Stadium.

“I wanted to step up to a senior team and I am very happy that I have the opportunity to go to Cluj,” the 20-year-old said.

“They received me very well, I’ve started training with them and I can’t wait to go and do my job there.

“I thought it would be a step forward if I went there. I told myself that I have to go where I play and where I have the opportunity to grow.”

Steaua Bucharest, another big name in Romanian football, were also keen on Pascanu, but he ranked Cluj as the better option.

“I looked at several aspects, for example the coach,” said Pascanu, a key player in Romania Under-21s’ run to the European Championship semi-finals this summer.

“At Cluj, it was (former Chelsea star) Dan Petrescu, who I know was a coach I could learn something from.

“At Steaua, I didn’t know who the coach was. They were also in a weaker position in the standings.

“Plus, the people at Cluj have wanted me for a long time and that helped me make a decision.

“There is more competition at Cluj, but that will help me grow. This is a good thing, because it makes me get stronger every time I work out.

“I am ready for the job and I am very happy that I managed to make the transfer to the club.”