Soccer: Mutu joins Romania squad travelling to Armenia

Mutu joins Romania squad travelling to Armenia
Sun 14 November, 2004 17:54

Reuters, UK
Nov 14 2004

BUCHAREST, Nov 14 (Reuters) – Romania striker Adrian Mutu, banned
for seven months after testing positive for cocaine, joined up with
their squad on Sunday as they left for Yerevan to face Armenia in a
World Cup qualifier next week.

Mutu, who returned home earlier in the day from Italy, did not
comment on his future nor his decision to train with the national
team following his sacking by Chelsea last month.

This week FIFA allowed him to train with Dinamo Bucharest or any
other club but said he could not play friendlies or official games
during his suspension which expires on May 18, 2005.

Mutu’s team mates welcomed their captain with striker Florin Bratu
saying: “His presence among us is a good news. He’ll back us and
we’ll make him forget for a while his problem”.

Mutu scored decisive goals in Romania’s 2-1 wins in World Cup
qualifying Group One over Finland and Macedonia in August and September
respectively last year.

Romania, who top the group with nine points after four matches,
will play Armenia on Wednesday.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress