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Romania, a small east European nation in terms of footballing prowess has always been looked down upon. Contributed the likes of only a few talented top class footballers namely Gheorghe Hagi, Nicolae Dobrin and Christian Chivu Romania has been dull on the international stage. Hailing from a small commune called Calinesti, Adrian Mutu had dreams to make it big into the European stage among the elites. Little did he know that the path he chose had a lot in store for him.
“I know now that it would be better for me to leave and find a team to play for. I can’t live without playing.”- Adrian Mutu
The 6 feet tall forward kick started his career in Romania under small named clubs, Arges Pitesti and Dinamo Bucuresti, before bursting onto the big stage as he signed for Internazionale in the winter transfer window of the year 2000. Failing to capitalize his ground for the Italian side, he was immediately offloaded to Verona FC, another Italian side where Mutu started to establish himself. In the year 2003, he was signed on loan by Parma FC, where Mutu played with the likes of Sebastian Frey and Alberto Gilardino to complete the season on a high compared to his past Italian ventures.
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THE WAR
“I’m not afraid of the beautiful women in England who, I hear, chase after footballers.”- Adrian Mutu
Adrian Mutu had done enough at Parma to stir the hype around him and in came Chelsea with an offer of £15.8 million for the young Romanian. Chelsea was flushed with cash on the arrival of new billionaire owner Roman Abramovich that season. The deal was completed in August 2003, and the Romanian was all set to compete with the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Hernan Crespo. Mutu had a dream start to his Chelsea career as he scored 4 goals in 3 matches, making the Chelsea fans optimistic about him being a hit future prospect.
“It’s not important that he has a lot of money… the most important thing is he invests it in soccer.”- Adrian Mutu on Abramovich
However, all the firepower eventually faded and Mutu could not deliver upto his potential. A blame game started and he was found to be on bitter terms with the Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho. Mourinho did not fancy Mutu anymore after his blatant allegations in public, which did not make the latter’s stay at the club any better.
“I am in an open conflict with Mourinho who forbade me to go to my national team and said I was injured. It is not true – I have been in good condition for five days and he knew that.”- Adrian Mutu (on Jose Mourinho)
Adrian Mutu was soon caught in a drug test the very next season of his arrival, where he tested positive for cocaine. Apparently, Mutu denied it initially, but later admitted, saying he took something to improve his sexual performance and to feel good. However funny the reason may sound like, he stuck onto it and admitted the shame, and was ready to accept any punishment decided by Chelsea for him. Chelsea terminated his contract and filed a case against him, in which FIFA decided to slap a fine of €17 million due to the breach of contract. Mutu also received a ban of seven months, along with a £20,000 fine from the FA .
“My situation at Chelsea became tense because I was regularly dropped from the team without apparent reason. I admit that in the heat of our confrontation I did threaten Mourinho. And, in a moment of total madness I almost hit him. I am almost certain Chelsea will not pay my contract during any suspension period I might get. But they will not sack me. In the meantime I’ll just have to wait for the decision of the FA and of my club.”
- Adrian Mutu
In war with Chelsea FC regarding the fine issues, Mutu regularly claimed he is not an addict. This is one of the harshest decisions taken by FIFA on any player. It may seem unfair for a player who was not even earning that amount of money in total. Adrian Mutu tried to appeal against it, but was turned down every time he requested. Mutu is still in debt with his former club, and this phase remains a big blot in his footballing career. Mutu insists he will keep appealing for justice.
THE REJUVINATION
Italian giants Juventus aspired to gain the services of the Romanian forward and was signed as a free agent on a five year deal. Mutu was used as a mere substitute towards the season’s end, after his return from the ban period. Immediately next season he was sold to Fiorentina for €8 million, amidst all the ‘Italian Calciopoli’ (For all those who do not know what ‘Italian Calciopoli’ is, it is the 2006 match fixing scandal that took the Serie A by storm). As Juventus were relegated, his move to their fierce rivals, Fiorentina, was welcomed, where he reunited with his former manager Cesare Prandelli, who had managed him at Parma FC.
The move came as a blessing for the Romanian and he was bursting with confidence right from his debut season. Mutu showed Europe what it takes to be a top striker, with offers coming from clubs like AS Roma to acquire his services, but he chose to stay with the club and extend his contract. Mutu managed to form a formidable partnership with Gilardino, scoring as many as 33 goals in one of the seasons for the Viola.
“I think to the future and ask myself: where would I go if I didn’t stay in Florence? By now I am part of this city. From here until the end of the championship I would like to realize the objective of 100 goals in Serie A.”- Adrian Mutu
Mutu’s fairytale run came to an end, and a demise to his smooth-sailing career by his own stupidity, as he was caught again in a drug test for cocaine. Initially, he was served a 9 month ban which was later reduced and his contract with Fiorentina was terminated, stating breach of contract. Former Fiorentina manager Prandelli was totally disappointed in Mutu.
“He has never thought to leave. I’d give Adrian a kick up the backside. When we were together in Florence I thought he had found his right balance in life but evidently this isn’t the case.”- Cesare Prandelli (Italian team manager)
It is claimed that Mutu lost his way after his former boss Prandelli left Fiorentina to take charge of the Italian national team in the year 2010. After a short span at AC Cesena post the ban period, Mutu joined the French side AC Ajaccio, and is currently representing them.
INTERNATIONAL BLISS
Adrian Mutu has been a star in the Romanian team for obvious reasons. The east European outfit doesn’t have many world class players to boast of. Mutu has represented Romania at Euro 2000 and 2008. Along with the greatest player for Romania, Gheorghe Hagi, Mutu shares the record for highest number of goals scored for their country. But as they say, ‘old habits die hard’, and Mutu was found at a disco following their huge margin loss to Serbia. The furious Romanian coach had no plans of calling him up for future fixtures, but was forced to turn down his decision due to fan pressure and dismal performances by the national side. Mutu was again caught in an act where he and his team mate Gabriel Tamas were defying orders and were found drinking a night before their friendly, but again the suspension was lifted soon.
“As long as I am in charge he will no longer be selected at international level. He has proven he does not have respect for the shirt of the national team.”- Razvan Lucescu
FUN FACT: Romania have lost only once when Adrian Mutu has scored for them.
One of the many fallen stars, Adrian Mutu is one big prospect who failed to utilize his potential. Mutu’s tenure at Fiorentina showed glimpses of the talent he possessed, but he had some other plans. Himself to blame for, Mutu can only regret the distractions he succumbed to.
