WORLD CUP hero Ilie Dumitrescu created works of art on the pitch — but now runs a lucrative business flogging them instead.
The Romania legend and former Tottenham star — bought for £2.6million by then boss Ossie Ardiles — is a prominent art dealer in his homeland.
Ilie Dumitrescu now makes a living selling exclusive pieces of art from his own galleryCredit: Instagram
He arrived at White Hart Lane in 1994 saying he wanted to “add a nice patch of colour” to the Premier League.
Now, though, he looks for it in paintings hung and sold in his own gallery.
Dumitrescu’s Hanul cu Tei gallery in capital Bucharest’s Old Town is home to a burgeoning portfolio, which also includes the Tea Inn restaurant and bar, a part of the Embassy chain he owns.
A businessman even reportedly offered him close to £2m to sell his incredible art collection, only for the ex-West Ham man to refuse on the spot.
He loves the gallery so much he even calls it his “second home”.
The dapper-dressing 51-year-old frequently uploads selfies relaxing on its outside tables and chairs, sipping an espresso.
But does the man who helped fire his country to the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup show off any of his own work?
Not if he can help it.
The former Spurs attacking midfielder clearly has a taste for the finer things in lifeCredit: Instagram
Ilie Dumitrescu also splits his time with analyst duties on Digi Sport TV channelCredit: Instagram, @ilie_dumitrescu
Ilie Dumitrescu stands beside one of his favourite pieces of artwork, titled ‘The Beggar’Credit: Libertatea.ro
The attacker arrived at Spurs after his impressive showing in the World CupCredit: Getty
Ilie Dumitrescu became a national hero when he fired Romania to the quarter-finals of the 1994 World CupCredit: Getty Images
Ilie Dumitrescu’s way of life now is a long way from how he made his wealth on the pitchCredit: Instagram
Ilie Dumitrescu scored in the penalty shootout but couldn’t stop Romania going out of the 1994 World Cup at the hands of SwedenCredit: Getty
The frontman, four from right, was also part of the famous Romania team who dyed their hair blond in the 1998 World CupCredit: EPA
Ilie Dumitrescu was offered close to £2million for his collection of various artworksCredit: www.libertatea.ro
The former footballer shows off his flashy lifestyle on InstagramCredit: Instagram, @ilie_dumitrescu
He said: “While I was playing in Mexico, I had a lot of painting. I took my easel, brush, paints.
“But you had to have imagination and a certain state, and I, being more temperamental, realised I did not have a painting job.”
Not that that stops the walls being adorned with religious artworks, Monet-style oil paintings of flowers and life-size drawings of nude models.
And he encouraged the Art Walk Street project, which saw work exhibited on streets, some held up by models, and the use of workshops for wannabe artists.
Dumitrescu himself started collecting works in 2004, the same year he took charge of AEK Athens.
Ilie’s son Dan looks after the catering side of things at their Hanul cu Tei hotspot, with his old man even teaming up with Heineken to create a beer for the grand opening in 2012.
Football is not gone from his life completely, though.
Ilie Dumitrescu’s nomadic career
The Romania legend was involved in a massive number of clubs throughout his career.
As player…
- 1986 – 1994 Steaua Bucuresti
- 1987 – 1998 Olt Scornicesti (loan)
- 1994 – 95 Spurs
- 1995 Sevilla (loan)
- 1996 West Ham
- 1996 – 97 America
- 1997 – 98 Atlante
- 1998 Steaua Bucuresti
As manager…
- 2000 – 01 Otelul Galati
- 2001 Brasov
- 2001 – 02 Alki Larnaca
- 2002 Romania Under-21s
- 2002 – 03 Bacau
- 2003 – 04 Apollon Limassol
- 2004 AEK Athens
- 2005 Egaleo
- 2005 Akratitos
- 2005 – 06 Kallithea
- 2006 PAOK Thessaloniki
- 2009 Panthrakikos
- 2010 Steaua Bucuresti
Ilie Dumitrescu walks down the staircase in his art galleryCredit: Instagram
Ilie Dumitrescu is a popular pundit in RomaniaCredit: Instagram, @ilie_dumitrescu
Ilie Dumitrescu has a thriving business portfolio to look after now… but still finds time for a glass of wineCredit: Instagram, @ilie_dumitrescu
Dumitrescu, who managed a staggering 13 clubs in ten years after scoring 20 goals in 62 appearances for the national side, stars as a TV pundit.
He features on Digi Sport’s Sport Special show as an analyst and looks a natural in front of the camera.
His is a lifestyle that has clearly paid off well.
Dumitrescu’s social media is full of images showing him enjoying the high life, toasting massive plates of food with friends and enjoying fine wine.
The punters love what he has created too.
Visitors frequently tag his thriving gallery – which can accommodate 250 people – in their Instagram photos.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
