Mutu: Juve gave my life meaning
Tuesday 1 February, 2005
Adrian Mutu has at last joined his new Juve teammates and admits this is a chance to put his recent problems behind him.
“I am happy to be here because after such a terrible time my life now has meaning again,” said the former Chelsea star in his presentation press conference in Turin this evening.
“I can start all over again. I have learned that to be a professional football player you have to maintain that approach off the field as well. Also, if you are lucky enough to have a family then you must spend that time with them.”
The Romanian will not be able to play again until his drugs ban expires on May 18, but he has been included in the Champions’ League squad – so a potential Final appearance in Istalbul on May 25 is on the cards.
“I think that I have matured over the last few months,” added the striker who was sacked by Chelsea after failing a drugs test.
“I can learn from the experience. I am in one of the best clubs in the world frankly didn’t expect to start again at such a high level. I thank Juventus and cannot wait to put myself at their service to win the Scudetto and maybe even the Champions’ League.”
Mutu has been given the number 30 jersey and trained with his new teammates in Turin today, taking part in the game between ranks.
“I have three months to wait now, but I will train hard with my colleagues so that I’ll be ready when the time comes.”
Fabio Capello was also at the press conference and explained why the Turin giants were so eager to seal the deal early.
“Mutu is an excellent buy and one of those players who automatically raises the quality level of the whole squad,” said the Coach.
“On a personal level, he slipped up on a banana skin. He can recover from that mistake and Juventus are the right club to help him get back on his feet.”
Some sources believed that Mutu was only signed in order to tempt Roma into parting with Antonio Cassano in the summer.
“Mutu is an excellent player and he is here to stay at Juventus for a long time,” insisted director general Luciano Moggi.
