Andrei Nourescu: “I like the atmosphere in casinos. It’s an interesting place for socializing and having fun.”
One of the most important (and stylish) journalists in Romania, Andrei Nourescu, is the man who has been doing the press for over 25 years and has never been bored, as he confesses on his own blog. In this edition of Casino Inside we offer you a fresh interview in which we discussed various topics, from aspects related to personal and professional life to sports (obviously), travel, lifestyle, culinary pleasures or clothing. A quick foray into the life of Andrei Nourescu that will surely please you.
Andrei Nourescu
What are the top 5 achieved goal that you are proud of?
I am proud that I have never compromised in my profession as a journalist, that I have never accepted friends in the field, advantages or favors of any kind. I am proud that after 25 years of working in the media I do not owe anything to anyone and that I always wake up calm and with a clear conscience. I am proud that I managed to reach 7 editions of the Olympic Games. And that I managed to see about 90 countries, without ever being tempted to move from Romania.
What is most important in life: to express your opinion or listen to others?
Obviously to express your opinion. It is also one of the fundamental human rights.
What did you like best: to do television or work in the print media? Why are you still attracted to the profession of sports 
journalist? Be it a love for sports or a love for people, or maybe both?
Even if I started with the written press and it stays in my heart, television has its charm and is more interesting, more challenging. I am not necessarily attracted to the profession of sports journalist, but to the profession of journalist in general. In my opinion, if you love journalism, you have to do it just as well in any field, whether it’s sports or politics or justice or economics. Unfortunately, many people confuse the love for a team or the passion for a certain sport with journalism, but this job you have to know how to do even if you do it in another field than the one for which you have a special passion. And maybe it’s even recommended to be like that, not to be emotionally involved, because it can affect your lucidity.
Which sports personality inspires you the most and who do you consider a role model both in your sports career and in life?
I don’t think I have a role model. But I met personally and talked over the years with personalities from whom I always had something to learn or admire. From Pele to Maradona, from Ronaldo to Beckenbauer, from Mourinho to Arsene Wenger or Beckham, from Ion Țiriac to Nadia …
It is clear that politics has not cared about sports for the last 20-30 years, but I want to ask you: Is it only possible with the help of politics to do something in this field for table sports or are there other solutions/alternatives?
I would not share your statement. For better or worse, regardless of color, politics has always given the sport a relatively good budget. And I think we are the only or among the few countries in the world that offer champions and medalists, for life, monthly rents of thousands and thousands of euros. And prizes of tens and tens of thousands of euros for Olympic and world medals. But it’s true, the state has generally supported performance sports and done much less for table sports.
Life has led you to all corners of the world. What is your favorite country and why?
That is right. I think traveling is one of my great passions and I think I have seen about 90 countries around the world. I don’t have a favorite country, apart from Romania. But I really like some places where I feel good, and to name just a few: New York, French Riviera, Sardinia, Doha, Bahamas, Sydney, Singapore, Acapulco, Hawaii, Kenya …
I saw from what you present to us on social media and from the way you show that you are a person for whom the way he looks and appears in front of the public is important. What do you think a healthy lifestyle looks like?
I don’t think there is a model to follow in this regard, but it’s true, I try to take care of myself, to eat healthy, to exercise when I have time, I like to run and swim, to rest a lot, to eliminate as much as possible the stress from my life and the negative influences, to enjoy the peace … But, like any human being, obviously I also eat a little, I also drink a wine, I do not give up small pleasures. But I’m glad I never smoked.
What style of clothing suits you best?
I think the casual one. I feel very good wearing sporty outfits and I wear elegant clothes only when circumstances demand it.
What is your favorite dish?
I have more. Maybe the spicy food, whether it’s Mexican or Asian. Pasta. Cheese
What do you choose: wine, beer or whiskey?
Wine, only red and dry. No beer. Whiskey only single malt.
Why does James Bond always go to the casino?
Because it is an elegant place, with suspense, for strong people and it fits in that place.
Have you ever been to a casino/game room? Did you play? Or were you just visiting? If you played a casino game, which game attracted you the most?
Yes, I have been many times. And I played, obviously more symbolically, because I can’t afford high stakes, in spectacular casinos, in Monaco, Las Vegas, Macao or Atlantic City. But I only play roulette. I know absolutely nothing else. And I don’t know any poker or any other card game.
What is your perception on this field of gambling in Romania and in the world? Do you think it’s a place where you can have a lot of fun with friends?
Yes. I mean, I like the atmosphere in the casinos. it is an interesting place for socializing, fun, etc. But i don’t like the game rooms, or the slot machines.
A funny thing, one of the frequent internet searches related to your name is “Andrei Nourescu wife”… Who is the most important person in your life? Personally, but also professionally.
Are you serious? I didn’t know, haha, I have no idea why. Maybe because my wife is a more withdrawn person, not as exposed as me and we prefer each other’s company in general in two or in very small groups. She is not Romanian, we travel a lot and we enjoy our moments of peace. And yes, she is the most important human in my life.
Professionally, the most important people are the people I work with. I’m not very friendly, I rarely get attached to people, I prefer to work with few people, but of very good quality, to whom I care and with whom I get along perfectly.
