Mutu in pledge to rebuild career

Mutu given seven-month ban Chelsea disappointed by FA ruling Feature: A year to forget Life in football after drugs?

Adrian Mutu has vowed to rebuild his career after being handed a seven-month ban for failing a drugs test.

Former Chelsea star Mutu was suspended by the Football Association after a positive sample for a recreational drug, believed to be cocaine.

Professional Footballers Association chief executive Gordon Taylor offered the 25-year-old his support.

"He's now looking forward to getting his career back on track in top-class football after next May," said Taylor.

"He wants to restore his good name in the international football world and particularly in Romania."

Mutu was also fined £20,000, and his ban finishes after the end of the domestic season on 18 May.

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This, in theory, could make him available for Romania's World Cup qualifiers against Holland on 4 June and Armenia on 8 June.

Indeed, Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu said: "I asked Mutu to come with us for training to feel that he is still part of national team of Romania."

Mutu's representative Gica Popescu told BBC Radio Five Live: "Adrian's reaction is very positive. He is happy the FA understood his situation and he is now looking forward to coming back stronger than he ever was.

"It has been a very difficult period for Adrian. He realises he made a big mistake, but his biggest mistake was not asking for any help.

"He is 100% ready for his rehabilitation programme. He's going to be stronger than before. He was very upset and confused, but now he's ok."

Mutu's former Chelsea team-mate Claude Makelele admitted he now faces a difficult time.

He said: "He is a good man and for him not to play football will be very difficult.

"He is a good player and a good striker, but to come back into football will be very tough for him."