Rovers official website and RTID met up with Romanian international Gabriel Tamas at Cantley Park before the Middlesbrough game.
Where were you before Rovers?
I stopped playing football last summer after spending three and a half years at West Bromwich Albion. I cancelled my contract by mutual consent, as I needed to have a break. I then signed for FC Cluj till this winter but I had an unfortunate time there with a few problems so did not go back. After that, I decided I needed time out and took a break, which I felt would revitalise me after a few busy years.
How did it come about you joined Rovers?
During my break I had a few calls from Championship clubs to come back to England. When I came here to speak to the coach, I already knew him having played against him. I came up to Cantley Park and saw that he had got a good squad of players, which convinced me that it would be good to sign and stay at least until the summer.
Did the fact you knew Meite from your time at the Hawthornes help this decision?
It was a big thing that I knew him from our time at West Brom. I enjoyed staying with him and getting to know him again. It was a big factor in me signing here as it was a huge step for me to come to Doncaster. That along with the quality of players Paul has here, convinced me to stay.
You made your debut last week as we kept a clean sheet against Wigan. That must have felt good?
As a defender you never want to concede goals and as a right-footed debut, I was happy with my performance, even though I felt it was a great team game not just the defence. It was crucial we got the first goal and after that we grew in confidence to take the game to Wigan.
You have played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. This experience must help Rovers.
I think we have to help each other. It’s a team game and I am just one part of it. Every player has to play their part, not just one individual, whatever their experience. We have to be a family on the pitch because we win together, we lose together. That’s football and we have to stick together to help each other. You cannot win a game by yourself.
Having not played much since the summer, how fit do you feel?
It has been difficult for me because I haven’t played for 8 months. Wigan was my first game since the break which meant I missed playing but I am happy to be back in English football. I have to get my head down, work hard and look to prove I deserve a longer stay at Rovers because I like it here. Unfortunately I took a lock in the Brighton game , which could knock me back.
Have you moved to Doncaster?
I am staying at a hotel in Doncaster at the moment, but I am looking to get a house so I can bring my wife and daughter here as I feel it is good place for them. My family is important to me and their support helps me deal with the pressures of football so the sooner I can get out of a hotel and bring them here, the better.