21-year-old midfielder Tornike Stepniashvili does not play for “Zimbru” Moldova anymore and will continue his career in the other team. However where, it is not known yet. Stepniashvili played for “Zimbru” since 2011. What is the situation like in Moldova, what is the difference between Moldovan and Georgian Championships – “World Sport” talked about this to Stepniashvili. For instance, Stepniashvili was called up for the U-21 team several times:

-       Now I am in Tbilisi, I am training individually. I have two offers from foreign teams, it should be decided soon. Also I have offers from 2-3 teams of Georgia, but I am waiting for the foreign teams.

-       Abroad, concretely where?

-       I cannot say it yet. When this issue will be decided I will tell you.

-       Are you talking about the better Championship than Moldova?

-       Yes. The contract with “Zimbru” ended and now I am a free agent. I am waiting for release paper today. By the way, I could stay in “Zimbru”, I was offered one-year extension, but ultimately, we decided to break the contract with mutual consent. We were not given salary in time. When the situation is such, it is better to move to another team. The prospect was not either.

-       Are there state-funded clubs in Moldova?

-       No. Every club is private.

-       How would you compare Moldovan and Georgian Championships by playing level?

-       It is hard to say which is better. They are equal level. “Sheriff” stands separate in Moldova, it has the biggest finances and is the best team. “Milsam”, “Tiraspol”, “Zimbru” and “Dacia” does not have such potential, they are just better than other Super League teams. As for the playing style, technical football is in Georgia and in Moldova physical fights are more and if there you have good physicality along with technology, then you are visible. 

Ilia Nanobashvili