Mutu: This'll be my year Tuesday 2 August, 2005
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Adrian Mutu insists this will be his year as he finally puts his troubled past at Chelsea behind him to start again with Juventus.
“I am now around 80 per cent of my form and am doing very well physically,” revealed the Romanian. “Psychologically I am also doing great because I feel respected and appreciated here.”
Mutu was set for greatness when he joined Chelsea from Parma in a £15.8m in the summer of 2003, but after a good start his form dipped and he was eventually sacked when failing a routine drugs test.
“I feel confident now because I think I’ve convinced Fabio Capello that he has many options at his disposal. I believe I can be of real use to this team, not just as part of a trident attack, but also as a supporting midfielder.”
The former Verona man returns to his homeland for a friendly game against Timisoara tomorrow evening and is winning over those who thought his career was over.
“I am happy because even the Romanian press, who were quite rough on me, are now printing complementary stories. I really have changed and understood that when you are a public figure there are responsibilities that go through every area of your behaviour,” he added.
“Capello’s advice – that I was great with my feet but had to be smart with my head, too – really helped. My recent marriage also put my life on a more tranquil track and I want people to talk about me only as a footballer. This could be my most important year.”
Nonetheless, the competition for places at the Stadio Delle Alpi is fierce this season and Mutu could find himself on the sidelines.
“If I stayed in Turin, it’s because I believe in my potential. I could’ve accepted loan moves elsewhere, but I have always liked measuring myself up against the best and that’s what Juve represent. My dream for this season is to score 15 goals and with these teammates that’s a definite possibility.”