Mutu falls for ‘crazy’ Abramovich

BUCHAREST: Chelsea offers Adrian Mutu an incredibly exciting challenge and the Romanian striker says he is looking forward to playing for the English club’s “crazy” new owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. 

The most expensive player in Romanian history returned home late on Tuesday after signing a £15.8 million (US$25.24 million) deal with the London club and ensuring an estimated personal income of US$15 million over the five-year contract. 

“It’s a dream to be able to join such good players as those at Chelsea,” the former Parma player said. 

“It’s an incredibly exciting challenge.” 

Chelsea, who faced Slovakian champions Zilina in the final qualifying round for the Champions League yesterday, must wait for a work permit before the Mutu deal can be sealed. 

Mutu started his professional career in 1996 earning US$6,000 a year with Romanian First Division Arges Pitesti and moved to Dinamo Bucharest for an annual wage of US$10,000 in 1999. 

Mutu’s arrival takes Chelsea’s spending on transfers to £74.3 million since the club was bought by Abramovich at the start of July. 

“Abramovich is a bit crazy as a president but I like such crazy people a lot,” Mutu said, referring to the Russian’s transfer splurge. 

“It’s not important that he has a lot of money ... the most important thing is that he invests it in football.” 

Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has joined Chelsea from Manchester United for £15 million, while manager Claudio Ranieri has also bought Ireland winger Damien Duff for £17 million. 

“I’m happy because I broke (Cristian) Chivu’s record of 18 million euro for his move (from Ajax Amsterdam to AS Roma) in Italy last month,” Mutu said. 

Mutu is waiting for a final court decision on his divorce from Romanian actress Alexandra Dinu. He has agreed on the financial care of their 11-month-old son, Mario, who will be staying with his mother. 

“I am not afraid of the beautiful women in England who, I hear, chase after footballers,” Mutu said. 

“I won’t take the risk of losing my position as a player for the sake of a pretty woman. 

“I’m not afraid of being framed by the English media, either.” 

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Gheorghe Popescu has said a woman knocked at his door a few days after his arrival in England, but he soon realised it was a trap staged by paparazzi. 

Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu backed Mutu’s decision to leave Italy for England. 

“Mutu will do a good job at Chelsea because there is a coach who wants him and a competitive group around him,” he said. 

“It’s difficult to score 18 goals in Italy, but I’m confident Adrian will be able to score more than 20 goals in England even during his first Premier League season.” – Reuters