Traded…for Meat?

Stars of South American teams like those in Ecuador are often sent to bigger clubs for a handsome transfer fee. They may even feel like little more than pieces of meat. But to Marius Cioara, that’s not just a simile.

Cioara, a defender for second-division UT Arad of the Romanian league, has been traded to fourth-division Regal Horia for 33 pounds of meat.

Despite this overwhelming boost of confidence, Cioara has decided to retire from football.

Who knew that in Romania, the transfer window is actually at the front of the butcher’s shop.