Fiorentina Ace Mutu: I Do Not Have 17 Million To Give Chelsea

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to pay Chelsea in excess of €17 million as a result of his conduct years ago involving substance abuse that saw the Pensioners terminate the player's contract before he joined Juventus and then Fiorentina.

There is even speculation that the player could be banned if the sum is not paid, but Mutu insists he does not ! have the money.

"I don't have €17 million and sincerely believe that only four or five players in the world have that kind of sum available," he said, according to Goal.com Italia, while on international duty with Romania.

"Everyone's help is essential, but I do not intend to do fundraising or collect money. Even against Palermo, the supporters let me know I was not alone in this battle."

However, the Romanian claimed he had other matters to concentrate on at the moment. "Now I am only thinking about the national team and the last chance to go to the World Cup."

Earlier in the day, a representative of the Italian Players' Association (AIC) claimed they would support the Viola ace.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2009/09/02/1476924/fiorentina-ace-mutu-i-do-not-have-17-million-to-! give-chelsea