Mutu staying at Fiorentina, says president

AFP - 23 July 2008 21:21

Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle insisted on Wednesday that star Romania forward Adrian Mutu, seen here in June 2008, will be staying at the club despite interest from AS Roma.

ROME (AFP) - Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle insisted on Wednesday that star Romania forward Adrian Mutu will be staying at the club despite interest from AS Roma.

Roma had confirmed earlier in the day that they have made an offer for the Romania captain, believed to be around 18-20 million euros.

But Della Valle said he won't be selling.

"With reference to Roma's offer the Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle states that Adrian Mutu is and will remain a Fiorentina player," said Della Valle's brief statement.

Roma had earlier confirmed the growing speculation about their interest in the former Chelsea Juventus and Inter Milan forward.

"Roma confirms they have made an offer to Fiorentina for the acquisition of Adrian Mutu for the 2008/09 season," said Roma's statement.

"We are waiting for a response from Fiorentina in order to start discussions over an eventual transfer."

Reports in the press earlier in the day confirmed that there had been contact between the two clubs.

"I met Roma officials and they passed on their wish to land the player," the reports quoted Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino as telling Italian media.

He added that the club intended to "hold on to important players" but not "by force."

Various reports claimed that Mutu wanted a contract extension until 2013 plus a pay rise, but that the Florence club had only offered a deal until 2012 worth less money.

Claims also suggested that Roma's offer would almost double the salary Mutu is earning at the Viola.

Mutu has been a huge success in Florence over the last two seasons, scoring 17 goals last term and the club finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

He also scored six goals in Fiorentina's march to the UEFA Cup semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Scottish team Glasgow Rangers.

The 29-year-old was earlier this summer ordered by FIFA to pay former club Chelsea 12 million euros relating to a failed drugs test during his time in England.