Mutu to stay with Blues
Chelsea, Monday August 09 2004
Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has decided to stay in west London after potential Serie A transfers fell through.
Originally slated for a move to either Fiorentino or Juventus, the Romanian international had a successful meeting with club owner Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon after Sunday's pre-season win over Real Zaragoza.
Mutu said: "This is my declaration. I am staying at Chelsea, I am happy here and will prove myself on the pitch.
"I have great opportunity at Chelsea and am determined to take it. I have strong feelings for Chelsea and want to stay. I am not going anywhere and want everyone to know I'm staying at Chelsea.
"I have not changed my mind and never said I wanted to go to Juventus. I never wanted to leave Chelsea and am happy here."
The 25-year-old began his run with the Blues on a high, scoring six goals in his first five games last season, but subsequently lost form and was booed by fans.
With the arrival of hitmen Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman this summer, the former Parma striker was concerned over insufficient playing time.
But Mutu has made an apparent u-turn, saying instead that he is committed to excelling at Stamford Bridge.
He told the London Evening Standard: "I will show my commitment this season.
"You can judge me by what I do on the pitch and I will repay the fans with lots of goals.
"I am a true blue and will show my commitment on the field."
In other news, Chelsea will submit written and video evidence to the Football Association to appeal the sending-off of Kezman during the pre-season US match against Roma.
Kezman received a three-match ban from the FA. A decision on the appeal is expected Tuesday.
Chelsea, Monday August 09 2004
Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has decided to stay in west London after potential Serie A transfers fell through.
Originally slated for a move to either Fiorentino or Juventus, the Romanian international had a successful meeting with club owner Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon after Sunday's pre-season win over Real Zaragoza.
Mutu said: "This is my declaration. I am staying at Chelsea, I am happy here and will prove myself on the pitch.
"I have great opportunity at Chelsea and am determined to take it. I have strong feelings for Chelsea and want to stay. I am not going anywhere and want everyone to know I'm staying at Chelsea.
"I have not changed my mind and never said I wanted to go to Juventus. I never wanted to leave Chelsea and am happy here."
The 25-year-old began his run with the Blues on a high, scoring six goals in his first five games last season, but subsequently lost form and was booed by fans.
With the arrival of hitmen Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman this summer, the former Parma striker was concerned over insufficient playing time.
But Mutu has made an apparent u-turn, saying instead that he is committed to excelling at Stamford Bridge.
He told the London Evening Standard: "I will show my commitment this season.
"You can judge me by what I do on the pitch and I will repay the fans with lots of goals.
"I am a true blue and will show my commitment on the field."
In other news, Chelsea will submit written and video evidence to the Football Association to appeal the sending-off of Kezman during the pre-season US match against Roma.
Kezman received a three-match ban from the FA. A decision on the appeal is expected Tuesday.
