Juventus move for Mutu
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Article summary
Juventus FC have signed Adrian Mutu on a five-year contract, although he is not eligible to play until May.
Article body
Juventus FC have signed Adrian Mutu on a five-year contract, although the Romanian international striker will not be free to play for the Italian side until mid-May when his suspension for failing a drugs test expires.
Chelsea sacking
The 26-year-old became a free agent in October, when Chelsea FC sacked him after he tested positive for a banned substance. The forward was subsequently suspended for seven months by the English Football Association, with world governing body FIFA later extending the ban worldwide. The ban runs until 18 May.
Club confirmation
"Juventus have obtained the services of Romanian striker Adrian Mutu," the Serie A leaders confirmed in a statement. Mutu will be eligible for Juve's final two games of the Serie A season, as they take place after his ban has been lifted.
Italian impact
Mutu, who has scored 13 goals in 38 games for his country, left Italian side Parma FC to join Chelsea for €22.4m in summer 2003 and made a bright start to his Premiership career but subsequently struggled to make an impact in England. He has, however, enjoyed success in Italy, scoring 17 goals in 31 league games for Parma in 2002/03 and also playing for Hellas-Verona FC and FC Internazionale Milano.
