Mihăiță Pleșan
{{Short description|Romanian footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Mihăiță Pleșan
| image = Mihăiţă Pleşan 2011.jpg
| upright = 0.8
| caption = Pleșan with Volga Nizhny Novgorod in 2011
| fullname = Mihăiță Păunel Pleșan
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|02|19|df=y}}
| birth_place = Moldova Nouă, Romania
| height = 1.83 m
| position = Central midfielder
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Minerul Moldova Nouă
| years1 = 2000–2005
| clubs1 = FC Universitatea Craiova
| caps1 = 67
| goals1 = 13
| years2 = 2005
| clubs2 = Dinamo București
| caps2 = 12
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2006–2007
| clubs3 = Politehnica Timișoara
| caps3 = 30
| goals3 = 6
| years4 = 2007–2010
| clubs4 = Steaua București
| caps4 = 40
| goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2009–2010
| clubs5 = Steaua II București
| caps5 = 5
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2010–2013
| clubs6 = Volga Nizhny Novgorod
| caps6 = 36
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2013–2014
| clubs7 = CS Universitatea Craiova
| caps7 = 28
| goals7 = 4
| totalcaps = 218
| totalgoals = 30
| nationalyears1 = 2003–2005
| nationalteam1 = Romania U21
| nationalcaps1 = 7
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2003–2007
| nationalteam2 = Romania
| nationalcaps2 = 7
| nationalgoals2 = 1
}}
Mihăiță Păunel Pleșan (born 19 February 1983) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder.
Club career
Pleșan was born on 19 February 1983 in Moldova Nouă, Romania and at age nine he started playing junior level football at local club, Minerul.{{RomanianSoccer|1599/mihaita-paunel-plesan}}{{cite web | url=https://sport.hotnews.ro/stiri-fotbal-26034910-interviu-mihaita-plesan-nivelul-fotbalului-romanesc-este-destul-scazut-bucuria-debutului-balaci-golul-germania.htm | title=Interviu Mihăiță Pleșan: Nivelul fotbalului românesc este destul de scăzut. Bucuria debutului cu Balaci și golul cu Germania| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihăiță Pleșan interview: The level of Romanian football is quite low. The joy of the debut with Balaci and the goal with Germany| date=21 January 2023 | access-date=26 December 2023}}{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/urmatorul-hagi-84867 | title=Urmatorul Hagi| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The next Hagi| date=29 April 2004 | access-date=26 December 2023}} He started his senior career at FC Universitatea Craiova, making his Divizia A debut on 14 April 2001 under coach Ilie Balaci in a 2–0 away loss to Astra Ploiești. He scored his first goal in the competition on 15 April 2003 when he closed the score in a 2–1 win over Național București.{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/liga-1-2002-2003-progresul-bucuresti-fc-universitatea-craiova/|title=National Bucuresti vs. Universitatea Craiova 1 – 2|access-date=26 December 2023}} In the 2004–05 season, Pleșan had the most prolific season of his career by scoring eight goals, including two doubles against CFR Cluj and Gloria Bistrița, however "U" Craiova relegated at the end of the season, so alongside several other teammates, he went to play for Dinamo București.{{cite web | url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/u-craiova-cfr-cluj-3-2-prima-victorie-aduce-schimbari-61242.html | title="U" Craiova - CFR Cluj 3-2. Prima victorie aduce schimbari| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="U" Craiova - CFR Cluj 3-2. The first victory brings changes| date=13 September 2004 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/gloria-u-craiova-4-3-se-trezira-cam-tarziu-58345.html | title=GLORIA - "U" CRAIOVA 4-3. Se trezira cam tarziu| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=GLORIA - "U" CRAIOVA 4-3. They woke up late| date=25 October 2004 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/dinamo-confirma-achizitionarea-lui-plesan-guso-1323009.html|title=Dinamo confirma achizitionarea lui Plesan, Guso, Daouda, Moti si Iordache |publisher=Adevarul.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Dinamo confirms the acquisition of Plesan, Guso, Daouda, Moti and Iordache|date=14 June 2005|access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/tragedia-unei-legende-retrogradarea-care-a-socat-oltenia-si-cum-a-pus-mititelu-mana-pe-universitatea-craiova-8882317|title=Tragedia unei legende! Retrogradarea care a șocat Oltenia și cum a pus Mititelu mâna pe Universitatea Craiova |publisher=Prosport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The tragedy of a legend! The relegation that shocked Oltenia and how Mititelu got hold of Craiova University|date=21 October 2011|access-date=26 December 2023}}
At Dinamo, Pleșan scored his first goal in September 2005 in a 5–2 win over rivals Rapid București, then he scored another one in November when he opened the score in a 2–1 away victory against FC Vaslui.{{cite web| url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1208547-dinamo-zdrobit-rapidul-5-2.htm| title=Dinamo a zdrobit Rapidul cu 5-2| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Dinamo crushed Rapid 5-2| date=26 September 2005| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/divizia-a-avantaj-dinamo-33806.html| title=Divizia A - Avantaj Dinamo| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Division A - Advantage Dinamo| date=7 November 2005| access-date=26 December 2023}} He also started playing in European competitions, coach Ioan Andone using him four games in the 2005–06 UEFA Cup campaign when the team eliminated Everton with a historical 5–2 on aggregate, reaching the group stage.{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/15-ani-de-la-istoricul-dinamo-everton-5-1-3-dintre-oamenii-cheie-au-rememorat-meciul-pentru-gsp-610142.html| title=VIDEO 15 ani de la istoricul Dinamo - Everton 5-1. 3 dintre oamenii-cheie au rememorat meciul pentru GSP: "Sincer să fiu, am fost cel mai bun!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=VIDEO 15 years since the historic Dinamo - Everton 5-1. 3 of the key people recalled the match for GSP:" To be honest, I was the best!"| date=16 September 2020| access-date=26 December 2023}} After only half of season spent at the club, The Red Dogs sold him to Politehnica Timișoara for a fee estimated by the Romanian press between €750.000–800.000 where he was wanted by coach Gheorghe Hagi.{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/transferurile-teapa-pe-filiera-timisoara-steaua-3495738| title=Transferurile, "țeapă" pe filiera Timișoara-Steaua| publisher=Propsort.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Transfers, "stake" on the Timișoara-Steaua branch| date=15 November 2008 | access-date=26 December 2023}}{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/plesan-pretul-corect-119841| title=Plesan, pretul corect| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Plesan, the right price| date=11 January 2006| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/sigur-voi-lua-titlul-120126| title="Sigur voi lua titlul"| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="For sure I will take the title"| date=13 January 2006| access-date=26 December 2023}} He helped the team reach the 2007 Cupa României final where coach Valentin Velcea used him in the first 58 minutes of the 2–0 loss to Rapid.{{cite web| url=https://ziare.com/rapid/stiri-rapid/finala-cupei-romaniei-rapid-isi-pastreaza-trofeul-92080| title=Finala Cupei Romaniei: Rapid isi pastreaza trofeul| publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Final of the Romanian Cup: Rapid keeps the trophy| date=26 May 2007| access-date=26 December 2023}} He started the 2007–08 season strong by scoring in the first two rounds a goal against Politehnica Iași and a brace against CFR Cluj, thus earning a transfer to Steaua București who paid a fee of €1.500.000, reuniting with coach Hagi.{{cite web | url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1046168-poli-timisoara-poli-iasi-3-1-sperantele-renasc-bega.htm| title=Poli Timisoara-Poli Iasi 3-1. Sperantele renasc pe Bega| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Poli Timisoara-Poli Iasi 3-1. Hopes are reborn on Bega| date=29 July 2007 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://evz.ro/tensiune-si-spectacol-454755.html| title=Tensiune si spectacol| publisher=Evz.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Tension and spectacle| date=6 August 2007 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1043366-mihaita-plesan-semnat-steaua.htm| title=Mihaita Plesan a semnat cu Steaua!| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihaita Plesan signed with Steaua!| date=6 August 2007| access-date=26 December 2023}} In June 2009, at the end of a game with Unirea Urziceni, Pleșan and teammate Sorin Ghionea got into a fight in the locker room.{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/tiranul-142914.html| title=Tiranul| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The tyrant| date=15 June 2009| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/plesan-dupa-incidentul-cu-ghionea-prezentat-in-gazeta-sint-lucruri-normale-la-nervi-la-suparare-o-142974.html| title=Pleșan, după incidentul cu Ghionea prezentat în Gazetă: "Sînt lucruri normale, la nervi, la supărare"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan, after the incident with Ghionea presented in the Gazette: "These are normal things, at nerves, at anger"| date=15 June 2009| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://ziare.com/sorin-ghionea/steaua/ghionea-si-plesan-s-au-batut-in-vestiar-786008| title=Ghionea si Plesan s-au batut in vestiar | publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ghionea and Plesan fought in the dressing room| date=14 June 2009| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/mihaita-plesan-noi-dezvaluiri-despre-bataia-de-la-vestiare-cu-sorin-ghionea-de-la-ce-a-plecat-totul.html| title=Mihaiță Pleșan, noi dezvăluiri despre bătaia de la vestiare, cu Sorin Ghionea! De la ce a plecat totul| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihaiță Pleșan, new revelations about the fight in the locker room, with Sorin Ghionea! Where did it all start from?| date=10 January 2023| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/superliga/bataie-in-vestiarul-stelei-intre-doi-fotbalisti-cunoscuti-unul-dintre-cei-mai-controversati-jucatori-s-a-luat-cu-unul-dintre-liderii-echipei-pumni-si-picioare-de-la-suparare-s-a-intamplat-19579417| title=Bătaie în vestiarul Stelei între doi fotbaliști cunoscuți: unul dintre cei mai controversați jucători s-a luat cu unul dintre liderii echipei! Pumni și picioare: "De la supărare s-a întâmplat ce s-a întâmplat"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Fight in the locker room of Steaua between two well-known footballers: one of the most controversial players had a fight with one of the team's leaders! Fists and feet: "Out of anger what happened"| date=11 January 2023| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://as.ro/fotbal/exclusiv-as-ro-live-bataie-in-vestiarul-stelei-am-spus-bai-chiar-asa-cum-a-fost-pedepsit-plesan-de-gigi-becali-si-cine-l-a-salvat-63269.html| title=Bătaie în vestiarul Stelei! "Am spus: Băi, chiar aşa?!" Cum a fost pedepsit Pleșan de Gigi Becali şi cine l-a salvat| publisher=As.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Fight in Steaua's locker room! "I said: Dude, really?!' How Pleșan was punished by Gigi Becali and who saved him| date=26 March 2021| access-date=26 December 2023}} His spell with The Military Men was marked by injuries, managing to make only one appearance in the 2008–09 Champions League edition, a 1–0 home loss to Fiorentina in the group stage.{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/mihaita-plesan-despre-accidentari-nu-cred-ca-sint-ghinionist-asa-a-fost-sa-fie-163940.html| title=Mihăiță Pleșan despre accidentări: "Nu cred că sînt ghinionist, aşa a fost să fie"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihăiță Pleșan about injuries: "I don't think I'm unlucky, that's the way it was"| date=16 November 2009 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/steaua-l-a-pierdut-si-pe-mihaita-plesan-182620.html| title=Steaua l-a pierdut și pe Mihăiță Pleșan!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Steaua also lost Mihăita Pleșan!| date=24 March 2010 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/szekely-s-a-operat-ieri-si-va-lipsi-pina-in-septembrie-gauri-in-oase-si-injectii-cu-plasma-184541.html| title=Szekely s-a operat ieri și va lipsi până în septembrie! Găuri în oase și injecții cu plasmă!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Szekely had surgery yesterday and will be out until September! Bone holes and plasma injections!| date=7 April 2010 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://sport.hotnews.ro/stiri-fotbal-5240220-steaua-fiorentina-0-1-ros-albastrii-eliminati-chinul-terminat-ghencea.htm| title=Steaua - Fiorentina 0-1. Ros-albastrii eliminati, chinul s-a terminat in Ghencea| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Steaua - Fiorentina 0-1. The red-blues eliminated, the torment is over in Ghencea| date=10 December 2008 | access-date=26 December 2023}} After three years at Steaua, including playing a while for the team's satellite he was transferred by Russian second tier side, Volga Nizhny Novgorod for €100.000, helping it promote to the first league by the end of the season.{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/plesan-steaua-e-cea-mai-neagra-perioada-din-cariera-mea-acum-vor-sa-scape-de-mine-152775.html| title=Pleșan: "Perioada Steaua e cea mai neagră din cariera mea. Acum, vor să scape de mine!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan: "The Steaua period is the darkest in my career. Now, they want to get rid of me!"| date=26 August 2009| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/dupa-ghionea-pleaca-si-plesan-de-la-steaua.html| title=Dupa Ghionea, pleaca si Plesan de la Steaua?| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=After Ghionea, will Plesan also leave from Steaua?| date=20 January 2010 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/exclusiv-plesan-a-spus-adio-stelei-s-a-transferat-in-liga-a-ii-a-rusa-sa-se-dueleze-cu-dan-petrescu-si-bucur-6747342| title=Pleșan a spus adio Stelei! S-a transferat în liga a II-a rusă să se dueleze cu Dan Petrescu și Bucur!| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan said goodbye to Steaua! He transferred to the second Russian league to duel with Dan Petrescu and Bucur!| date=30 July 2010 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/incredibil-steaua-2-valoreaza-aproape-10-milioane-de-euro.html| title=INCREDIBIL Steaua 2 valoreaza aproape 10 milioane de euro!| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=INCREDIBLE Steaua 2 is worth almost 10 million euros!| date=3 July 2009| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/exclusiv-plesan-a-spus-adio-stelei-s-a-transferat-in-liga-a-ii-a-rusa-sa-se-dueleze-cu-dan-petrescu-si-bucur-6747342| title=Pleșan a spus adio Stelei! S-a transferat în liga a II-a rusă să se dueleze cu Dan Petrescu și Bucur!| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan signed with a team from Russia's second league!| date=30 July 2010 | access-date=30 July 2010}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/steaua-l-a-dat-pe-mihaita-plesan-la-nizhny-novgorod-din-liga-a-doua-rusa-pe-50-000-de-euro.html| title=Plesan, spre Nizhny Novgorod din liga a doua rusa! "Inca nu am semnat nimic!"| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Plesan, to Nizhny Novgorod from the second Russian league! "I haven't signed anything yet!"| date=30 July 2010| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/campionate-externe/plesan-dupa-dan-petrescu-in-prima-liga-din-rusia-7690021| title=Pleșan, după Dan Petrescu, în prima ligă din Rusia!| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan, after Dan Petrescu, in the first league in Russia!| date=3 November 2010| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/stranieri/a-fost-trimis-la-steaua-ii-a-plecat-in-rusia-a-jucat-trei-meciuri-si-s-a-umplut-de-bani-vezi-cat-castiga.html| title=A fost trimis la Steaua II, a plecat in Rusia, a jucat trei meciuri si s-a umplut de bani! Vezi cat castiga Plesan pentru fiecare minut jucat| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=He was sent to Steaua II, went to Russia, played three matches and filled himself with money! See how much Plesan earns for every minute played| date=9 November 2010| access-date=26 December 2023}} Pleșan scored his first goal for Volga in the Russian Premier League on 2 April 2011 in a 2–0 win over Dynamo Moscow, then by the end of the season he scored a spectacular one from 25 meters, opening the score in an eventually 2–1 loss to Anzhi Makhachkala.{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/fotbal/stiri-fotbal/mihaita-plesan-a-marcat-in-rusia-video-1085785| title=Mihaita Plesan a marcat in Rusia | publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihaita Plesan scored in Russia| date=3 April 2011| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/samuel-eto/video/plesan-gol-superb-in-poarta-echipei-lui-eto-o-si-roberto-carlos-video-1119952| title=Plesan, gol superb in poarta echipei lui Eto'o si Roberto Carlos| publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Plesan, a superb goal in the goal of the team of Eto'o and Roberto Carlos| date=11 September 2011 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/mihaita-plesan-a-inscris-impotriva-lui-etoo-875765.html| title=Mihăiță Pleșan a înscris împotriva lui Eto'o| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihăiță Pleșan scored against Eto'o| date=12 September 2011 | access-date=26 December 2023}} During his period spent with Volga, he was teammate with fellow Romanians János Székely and Adrian Ropotan.{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/janos-szekely-va-fi-coleg-cu-plesan-la-volga-1072430.html| title=Janos Szekely va fi coleg cu Pleşan la Volga Novgorod| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Janos Szekely will be Plesan's colleague at Volga Novgorod| date=29 September 2011 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/exclusiv-ropotan-s-a-intors-in-rusia-va-fi-coleg-cu-plesan-la-volga-novgorod-35367| title=Ropotan s-a întors în Rusia. Va fi coleg cu Pleșan la Volga Novgorod| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ropotan returned to Russia. He will be a colleague of Pleșan at the Volga Novgorod| date=5 February 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
In September 2013, Pleșan returned to Craiova, signing with second league side, CS Universitatea.{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/mihaita-plesan-am-ales-cu-sufletul-m-am-intors-la-echipa-care-joaca-in-craiova-408967.html| title=Mihăiță Pleșan: "Am ales cu sufletul, m-am întors la echipa care joacă în Craiova"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihăiță Pleșan: "I chose with my soul, I returned to the team that plays in Craiova"| date=19 September 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/plesan-revine-la-craiova-a-semnat-cu-cs-universitatea-71224| title=Pleșan revine la Craiova! A semnat cu CS Universitatea| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan returns to Craiova! He signed with CS Universitatea| date=12 September 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}} In September 2013, he and other teammates got into a brawl with opponents from ASA Târgu Mureș, receiving a two match ban for his acts.{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/putin-fotbal-multi-pumni-jucatorii-de-la-asa-tirgu-mures-si-cs-u-craiova-s-au-luat-la-bataie-dupa-ce-au-facut-egal-pe-teren-409710.html| title=Puțin fotbal, mulţi pumni! Jucătorii de la ASA Tîrgu Mureș și CS U Craiova s-au luat la bătaie după ce au făcut egal pe teren| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A little football, a lot of fists! The players from ASA Tîrgu Mureș and CS U Craiova got into a fight after they drew on the field| date=29 September 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-2/local-kombat-la-targu-mures-meciul-dintre-asa-si-cs-u-craiova-scor-1-1-s-a-terminat-cu-o-bataie-generala-11418771| title=Local Kombat la Târgu Mureș! Meciul dintre ASA și CS U Craiova, scor 1-1, s-a terminat cu o bătaie generală| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Local Kombat at Târgu Mureș! The match between ASA and CS U Craiova, score 1-1, ended in a general fight| date=30 September 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/dublu-suspendat-surghiunit-doua-etape-in-tribuna-plesan-a-ramas-si-fara-permis-75325| title=Dublu suspendat: Surghiunit două etape în tribună, Pleșan a rămas și fără permis| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Double suspension: Suspended two stages in the grandstand, Pleșan was also left without a license| date=5 October 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}} In November, while he was warming up before a derby with his former club, FC Universitatea, he got attacked by the opponents goalkeeper Andrei Preda who ended up being banned for 16 matches by the Romanian Football Federation's Disciplinary Commission.{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/batausul-lui-plesan-la-una-dintre-cele-mai-aspre-pedepse-din-fotbalul-romanesc-topul-celor-mai-mari-suspendari-dictate-in-fotbalul-romanesc-11961312| title=Bătăușul lui Pleșan, la una dintre cele mai aspre pedepse din fotbalul românesc! Topul celor mai mari suspendări dictate în fotbalul românesc| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan's bully, to one of the harshest punishments in Romanian football! The top of the biggest suspensions dictated in Romanian football| date=24 January 2014 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/bataie-de-incalzire-plesan-a-devenit-indisponibil-dupa-ce-a-fost-batut-de-andrei-preda-inaintea-derby-ului-414045.html| title=Bătaie de încălzire. Pleșan a devenit indisponibil după ce a fost bătut de Andrei Preda înaintea derby-ului| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Warm-up fight. Pleșan became unavailable after being beaten by Andrei Preda before the derby| date=24 November 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-2/campionat/reactii-dupa-bataia-de-la-craiova-plesan-mi-e-si-rusine-preda-am-inteles-ca-i-a-cazut-un-dinte-11717909| title=Reacții după bătaia de la Craiova! Pleșan: "Mi-e și rușine" / Preda: "Am înțeles că i-a căzut un dinte"| publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Reactions after the fight in Craiova! Pleșan: "I'm also ashamed" / Preda: "I understood that a tooth fell out"| date=24 November 2013 | access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-2/suspendare-uriasa-pentru-andrei-preda-jucatorul-lui-u-craiova-out-16-meciuri-dupa-bataia-cu-plesan-11961032| title=Suspendare uriașă pentru Andrei Preda. Jucătorul lui "U" Craiova, out 16 meciuri după bătaia cu Pleșan| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Huge suspension for Andrei Preda. The player of "U" Craiova, out 16 matches after the fight with Pleșan| date=24 January 2014 | access-date=26 December 2023}} At the end of the 2013–14 season with him as captain, the team finished on the first position, earning promotion to Liga I where after being used rarely in the first half of the season, 31-year-old Pleșan ended his contract with the club, thus retiring, having a total of 158 appearances with 24 goals scored in the competition and also six games in European competitions without scoring.{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/interviu-mihaita-plesan-explica-de-ce-a-rupt-contractul-cu-csu-craiova-n-am-timp-de-pierdut-440297.html| title=INTERVIU. Mihăiță Pleșan explică de ce a rupt contractul cu CSU Craiova:"N-am timp de pierdut"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=INTERVIEW. Mihăiță Pleșan explains why he broke the contract with CSU Craiova: "I have no time to lose"| date=12 December 2014| access-date=26 December 2023}}
International career
Pleșan played seven games and scored one goal for Romania, making his debut on 16 November 2003 when coach Anghel Iordănescu sent him on the field 73rd minutre to replace Flavius Stoican in a friendly which ended with a 1–0 loss to Italy.{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=16774|title=Mihăiță Pleșan profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=26 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=25768|title=Italy 1-0 Romania|publisher=European Football|access-date=26 December 2023}} In his following game, also a friendly, he opened the score when he took the ball 30 meters from the opponents goalpost, managed a "slalom" between three defenders and finished with a splendid shot, with the laces, in the net of Oliver Kahn's goal as Romania earned a 5–1 win over Germany.{{cite web| url=https://www.eurosport.ro/fotbal/exclusiv.-mihaita-plesan-la-17-ani-de-la-golul-de-poveste-marcat-in-meciul-romania-germania-5-1_sto8188487/story.shtml| title=Exclusiv. Mihăiță Pleșan, la 17 ani de la golul de poveste marcat în meciul România - Germania 5-1| publisher=Eurosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Exclusive. Mihăiță Pleșan, 17 years after the legendary goal scored in the match Romania - Germany 5-1| date=22 March 2021| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/il-mai-tineti-minte-pe-plesan-cu-se-ocupa-acum-fotbalistul-care-tinea-de-mic-cu-craiova-dinamo-steaua.html| title=Il mai tineti minte pe Plesan? Cu se ocupa acum fotbalistul care tinea de mic cu Craiova, Dinamo, Steaua si Timisoara| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Do you still remember Plesan? The footballer who played with Craiova, Dinamo, Steaua and Timisoara as a child is now dealing with this| date=6 August 2019| access-date=26 December 2023}} Afterwards he was compared with Gheorghe Hagi by the Romanian press, also attracting the interest of coach Arsène Wenger who considered bringing him to Arsenal but the transfer was never fulfilled.{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/mihaita-plesan-face-dezvaluiri-senzationale-arsene-wenger-m-a-sunat-a-vrut-sa-ma-ia-la-arsenal-o-424860.html| title=Mihăiță Pleșan face dezvăluiri senzaţionale: "Arsene Wenger m-a sunat! A vrut să mă ia la Arsenal" | publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mihăiță Pleșan makes sensational revelations: "Arsene Wenger called me! He wanted to take me to Arsenal"| date=30 April 2014| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/plesan-chiar-a-vorbit-cu-wenger-la-telefon-ma-voia-la-arsenal-dar-craiova-nu-mi-a-dat-drumul-260309| title=Pleșan chiar a vorbit cu Wenger la telefon. "Mă voia la Arsenal, dar Craiova nu mi-a dat drumul"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Pleșan even spoke to Wenger on the phone. "He wanted me at Arsenal, but Craiova didn't let me go"| date=30 November 2016| access-date=26 December 2023}}
{{cite web| url=https://sport.hotnews.ro/stiri-fotbal-17140532-declaratia-zilei-mihaita-plesan-wenger-sunat-personal-spus-vrea-arsenal.htm| title=Declaratia zilei Mihaita Plesan - "Wenger m-a sunat personal si mi-a spus ca ma vrea la Arsenal"| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Statement of the day Mihaita Plesan - "Wenger called me personally and told me that he wants me at Arsenal"| date=30 April 2014| access-date=26 December 2023}} In the following years Pleșan went on to play two games at the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, making his last appearance for the national team in a 2–0 home victory against Slovenia from the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
=International goals=
:Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Pleșan goal.{{cite web|publisher=Soccerway|url=https://ro.soccerway.com/matches/2004/04/28/world/friendlies/romania/germany/633269/|title=Romania vs. Germany 5 – 1|access-date=21 August 2019}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Mihăiță Pleșan | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 28 April 2004 | Stadionul Giulești-Valentin Stănescu, Bucharest, Romania | {{Fb|GER}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|5–1 | Friendly |
Honours
Politehnica Timișoara
- Cupa României runner-up: 2006–07{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/2006_2007.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 2006–2007|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=26 December 2023}}
CS Universitatea Craiova
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{RomanianSoccer|1599/mihaita-paunel-plesan}}
- {{NFT player|5428}}
- {{Soccerway|12290}}
- {{WorldFootball.net|mihaita-plesan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Plesan, Mihaita}}
Category:People from Moldova Nouă
Category:Romanian men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Romania men's international footballers
Category:Russian Premier League players
Category:FC Dinamo București players
Category:FC Politehnica Timișoara players
Category:FC U Craiova 1948 players
Category:FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod players
Category:CS Universitatea Craiova players
Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Russia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Russia