Adrian Mutu must play the messiah for Fiorentina
For all his talent and skill, Adrian Mutu has had a tainted footballing career. The player finds himself in the press for all the wrong reasons. His fiery temper and struggles with banned substances are no secret, if anything, they have been well documented.
Mutu played for a host of teams before truly finding his feet at Parma FC under Cesare Prandelli. Playing alongside the Brazilian Adriano, who was one of the most lethal strikers in the game at that time, Mutu scored 18 goals in 31 Serie A appearances. Such
form was did wonders for the players reputation and Mutu was snapped up for a whooping 22 million Euros by the Russian riches of Chelsea FC.
Mutu failed to live up to the expectations and finally fell out with Jose Mourinho who was in charge of the blues. To make matters worse, Mutu failed a doping test and tested positive for cocaine. Mutu had his contract rescinded by the club and subsequently
was ordered to pay 17 million Euros in damages by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland. Mutu was slapped with a seven month ban and failed to play a single minute in the entire 2004/05 campaign.
His talent however was undisputed and Juventus signed the Romanian on a free transfer at the start of the 2005/06 season. Mutu had an average season with Bianconeri and despite making 42 appearances in all competitions; he failed to cement a first team place.
Fiorentina came to his rescue and signed the player for a reported 8 million Euros at the start of 2006/07 season. Mutu had been fundamental to Viola renaissance in recent years. A tally of 54 league goals in just 93 appearances is more than respectable. Also,
keeping in mind the fact that Mutu never got the world class service from a mediocre midfield, his goal return gets even more prolific.
Sadly enough, On January 28th this year, Adrian tested positive for banned substances yet again and was banned for nine months by the Italian National Olympic Committee. Viola had to do without his services for much of the last year. However,
in Stevan Jovetic, they found a player who stood up and took things on himself. The Montenegrin forward became the darling of Florence with a string of mesmerising displays, particularly on the continental stage. His technique and link up play against Liverpool
FC was simply a joy to behold. No wonder clubs across the continent took their praising games so publicly. However, Jovetic suffered a terrible knee injury even before the Serie A calendar could start and his season was put to a premature end. In Jovetic’s
absence, Viola has looked woefully short of ideas - the departure of Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri job didn’t help the team either.
Last night against a modest Cesena outfit, Mutu took to the pitch once again. While his match fitness and sharpness were visibly lacking, he was still the best Viola player by far. Time and time again he tested Andujar in Cesena goal and only some inspired
goalkeeping deprived Mutu of a dream return. With Alberto Gilardino faring little better than a headless chicken every time he takes to the pitch, much of the goal scoring responsibilities will be on Mutu’s shoulders. The Romanian might not be the most creative
of players but he is still one of the best finishers in peninsula. In fact, he is one of the most complete strikers in Serie A. With Fiorentina struggling to make an impact in the league, Mutu’s return to the squad could not have been timelier.
The Romanian owes it to the club for sticking with him through thick and thin. where Chelsea discarded him, threw him into exile and labelled him a cheat, Fiorentina stoody by him. Mutu is not getting any younger and he knows it too. The player must learn
from his mistakes for not much of his career is left. The entire of Florence stood up for him when he needed them and now his sanctuary calls for his aid. Like a messiah saving his people from impending doom, Mutu must put on his magic boots and lead from
the front, lead them to the safety and beyond.
Tags: