Ex-Hearts star signs for Romanian side as Hamilton Accies lose out on target

Former Hearts defender Mihai Popescu has signed a two-year deal at Romanian Liga I side Farul Constanta, ending hopes Hamilton Accies held of a permanent move.

Romanian Popescu, 29, joined Hamilton on loan from Hearts in August last year and stayed with the New Douglas Park club for the season, playing 32 games, and quickly became a fans' favourite.

Upon his release by Hearts in the summer, fans hoped he would make a permanent switch to the Championship side.

But Popescu became boss Gheorghe Hagi's 10th signing, with their website declaring: "Central defender Mihai Popescu is today the new player of our team after signing a contract valid for the next two years.

"At the age of 29 and 1.88 m, Mihai Popescu also evolved in his career for Dinamo, Dunărea Călărași, FC Voluntari, St. Mirren (Scotland), Hearts of Midlothian (Scotland).

"His record includes the League Cup won with Dinamo in 2017 and the Romanian Super Cup obtained with FC Voluntari in 2017. Good luck in the white-blue shirt, Mihai."

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