The season also saw Rapid claim the 2006 Romanian Cup, with Niculae scoring the winning goal in the first minute of extra-time, against Național București.

He was deeply affected by the loss of his father, and despite threatening to score on several occasions, he failed to find the net in 32 games.

He has a brilliant entente with Polish goalscorer Ireneusz Jeleń and has helped the Burgundian side to reach second in the table and to thus push for the Champions League places.

After the expiration of his contract with AJ Auxerre on 15 June 2010, Niculae signed a three-year deal with Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco.

In a game against his former club, AJ Auxerre, on 30 January 2012, Nicuale scored a double giving his team the win.