Italian-born-Ghanaian striker Godberg Cooper who joined UTA Arad from Chindia Targoviste, recently opened up about his working relationship with coach Toni Petrea.
The 25-year-old striker was offered a position at U Cluj, but he declined because of the head coach, Toni Petrea, whom he had previously played under at Chindia.
“When I heard that Toni Petrea was coming there, that’s it, I said “no”! Godberg Cooper told GSP.ro.
“I received the offer from U Cluj before Petrea arrived there, but I heard that there are negotiations for him to come there as well, which is what happened. What if I had a negative relationship? I don’t even know how to translate it,”
“I can’t explain why. I played well at the beginning of 2023, I also scored goals, then he put me on the bench. Why? Only he knows. I have no idea! I’m the type to give respect and hope to get respect in return. I don’t know why my relationship with Toni Petrea didn’t work,”
“In front, he spoke to me nicely, well, behind my back… I heard negative things and more than once. He’s not the type of person to have a relationship with, I don’t like him. If someone has something with me, say it to my face! But enough about the past, let’s talk about the present and the future.”,
Cooper, has previously had stints with Aurora Seriante, Scanzorosciate, USD Lavello, and ASD Verdello in Italy.
Clube Condeixa, FC Arouca, SC Espinho, and SC Vianense in Portugal, as well as FC Schaffhausen in Switzerland and FK Kukesi in Albania.
Cooper has already hit the ground running after joining his new teammates to begin pre-season training. He scored in a 4-0 friendly win over lower-tier club CS Socodor a few weeks ago.
The towering footballer is expecting his first invitation to represent Ghana.