18-year-old Romanian striker Robert Moldoveanu could have been at Arsenal if not for a serious knee injury.

Moldoveanu could have become an Arsenal player a few years ago, but a series of knee injuries prevented the move from happening.

First, he ruptured his knee ligaments and meniscus, an injury that kept him out for six months.

Following that, he tore his meniscus again, keeping him out for a further four months.

It then got worse, as a third knee injury kept him out for a year and a half.

All required major surgery.

gsp.ro
via gsp.ro

The teenage striker was speaking to gsp.ro about his misfortune, and how he’s steadily rebuilding his young career.

“I spend a lot more time in the gym to strengthen my legs and knees,” he said.

“Now, I’m 100%. I have no problems. If the surgery is done well and you respect the recovery process, you are as good as new. 

“Football is my life and I will do my best to play for Dinamo.

“There was an offer from Arsenal, but they dropped it when I got injured.

“It’s ok, I take it easy. I want to score goals for Dinamo and see what’s going to happen.”

PHOTO: Ionuţ Iordache
Robert Moldoveanu playing again PHOTO: Ionuţ Iordache

 

Moldoveanu is a product of the Dinamo Bukarest academy and made his debut for the Romanian club when he was just 16 years and four months old. He turns 19 in March.

He also appeared in the same Romanian youth teams as Vlad Dragomir, who joined Arsenal from Poli Timisoara in 2015.

Dragomir has gone to make good progress at the club and is having a good season with the u23s.

The difference in fortunes is striking, and goes to show how injury can impact a potentially promising career.

That being said, if Arsenal were interested once and Moldoveanu  can show he’s fully recovered from his knee problems, the club might revisit the issue.