Romania may not have the stars above their crest to match it, but they are undoubtedly one of European football's great powerhouses in terms of the gifts the Tricolorii have given the game.
From The Carpathian Maradona, Gheorghe Hagi, to one of the greatest managers in football history in Mircea Lucescu, Romania have been generous donors over the years with 12 players in total nominated for the Ballon d'Or. Yet one of those golden dozen, former Chelsea , Juventus and Fiorentina star Adrian Mutu, stands out as one of the more unique personalities and talents that we have seen since the turn of the century. Blessed with technical ability on the pitch, cursed with personal issues off it, Mutu's erratic career was one of whiplash inducing changes of direction against the backdrop of a truly talented striker, almost constantly clouded by controversy.
His eccentric career included failed drugs tests and being banned from international duty to reports of sucking the blood from a porn star, while he remains involved in the game as a coach after the conclusion of his playing career.
Mail Sport details the incredible yet troubled career of one of Romania's greatest and most controversial players. Adrian Mutu played for Chelsea for just one season in a spell that saw a bust-up with Jose Mourinho and a seven-month ban for a positive drugs test. No Romanian has scored more goals for their country, with Mutu tied on 35 with legendary icon Gheorghe Hagi. The ex-striker's career was plagued with numerous off the field controversies.
How many footballers, athletes, sporting superstars have we seen fall afoul of their own potential down the years? It's a tale as old as time, and yet there is so much that is utterly unique about the sensational and at times bizarre journey of Adrian Mutu.
