Mihai Neșu Clarifies Divorce from Wife Maria Years After Career-Ending Accident
According to reports, former professional football player Mihai Neșu has publicly addressed his 2012 divorce from his then-wife, Maria, clarifying that he initiated the separation following the cervical vertebra fracture that left him paralyzed. Neșu, 43, stated during an appearance on Antena Stars’ “Star Matinal” that the decision to divorce was his own rather than a case of abandonment by his partner, pushing back against public speculation that surrounded the split.
The marriage between Mihai Neșu and Maria Laura Gherman lasted for six years, beginning in 2006. Public awareness of the separation emerged on February 19, 2012—nine months after the training ground accident at Utrecht where a teammate landed on the player during an aerial duel. Neșu attended a public event without his wife, confirming speculation that the couple had parted ways. Initial public narratives suggested Maria had left the athlete due to his medical condition, a claim Neșu firmly rejected in his recent television appearance.
“De fapt, realitatea este că eu am hotărât să divorțez de ea pe caz de boală. A fost decizia mea. Oamenii au blamat-o foarte mult, pentru că oamenii nu pot înțelege (…) Mi-am dat seama că a fost un șoc foarte mare și pentru ea (…) Ei nu i-a plăcut niciodată să apară la televizor și majoritatea lucrurilor au fost exagerate. A fost alături de mine și la spital. Vreau să știe lumea că nu s-a întâmplat așa cum s-a scris,” Neșu stated, according to Antena Stars.
Following the 2011 injury that ended his athletic career and left him in a wheelchair, Neșu redirected his life toward philanthropic work for children with disabilities. In 2015, he opened a recovery center for children with neuromotor issues, followed by the initiative to build the “Sfântul Nectarie” Recovery Complex, with construction starting in 2021 where Neșu maintained a daily presence on the site.
Reflecting on his current path, Neșu shared perspective on his life today compared to his years as an active professional athlete. “Viața mea e mult mai fericită și împlinită decât atunci când eram sănătos! Dacă m-aș mai naște acum, nu m-aș mai face fotbalist,” Neșu declared. He added that running the center and pursuing interests in design and architecture—traits he inherited from his architect mother—have brought him renewed purpose.
Did you know? Mihai Neșu spent six years married to Maria Laura Gherman before their divorce was finalized in 2012, shortly after he transitioned to using a wheelchair following his accident at Utrecht.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mihai Neșu and Maria divorce?
The couple divorced in 2012, approximately nine months after Neșu sustained his cervical spine injury during a training session in 2011.
Who decided to end the marriage?
According to Mihai Neșu’s statements on Antena Stars, he was the one who decided to file for divorce due to his health condition, aiming to dispel long-standing public rumors that his wife had abandoned him.
What is Mihai Neșu doing now?
Neșu runs a recovery center for children with neuromotor disorders and oversaw the construction of the “Sfântul Nectarie” Recovery Complex, dedicating his time to humanitarian work.
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