Career
He is best known for his impressive height, powerful header and aerial game effective both defensively and in attack. He is also regarded for his leadership qualities, becoming captain for Timișoara, Vaslui and Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț. Born in Bucharest, Cânu came through the youth ranks of local Național București, going on to finish his sporting formation with the Divizia B teams Cimentul Fieni and Football Club Baia Mare.
Național
lieutenant was his only appearance that season.
After one season, with no matches, he was loaned two years in a row to Divizia B sides Cimentul Fieni and Football Club Baia Mare, to build up his first team experience. After he returned, he failed to establish himself in the first team squad.
Cânu made one appearance in the Romanian first league in 1997/1998, while at Football Club Național. In the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons he played in the Romanian second league, for Cimentul Fieni and Football Club Baia Mare respectively.
He then returned to Football Club Național, playing 16 times in the Divizia A during the 2003/2004 season.
Cânu joined Poli in the winter break of the 2004/2005 season, together with Național coach Cosmin Olăroiu and team mates Gabriel Caramarin, Gigel Coman and Marius Popa.