Mutu: Chelsea move not about money
ADRIAN MUTU has insisted to planetfootball that it was not solely money that prompted his move to Chelsea, and admitted he did not necessarily feel it was a step up in quality.
The Romanian star will complete a £16 million move to Chelsea, who have become one of the richest clubs in the world since Roman Abramovich bought them.
However, Mutu -one of the best players in Italy last year - insisted that money alone did not make his mind up.
"It wasn't only money," Mutu told planetfootball. "If I had received an offer from Emirates or Japan that I would say no thanks.
"I am only 24 and very ambitious, so I wanted to play in a good team.
"Chelsea are a better side than Parma. But it was an offer none of us could afford to refuse. Not me and certainly not Parma.
"I'm not sure if this is a step up or not. It was a big step to leave Dinamo for Internazionale, but now it is simply another team in my career.
"It is another challenge. I will be playing in the country that invented football where there are many good teams that are known throughout the world.
"There is also the matter of them having the chance to play in the Champions League. I just hope they can beat Zilina to play in the tournament.
"I am a professional, and I play for whoever pays my wages. I am ready to play over Christmas and I am not worried about the weather because I am a professional.
"Dan Petrescu has been a huge help. I will probably stay in his flat. He knows so much about Chelsea, and I hope his advice helps me settle in."
A lightning move has seen Mutu relieved his team were playing in England in pre-season so he could say his goodbyes.
"I spoke with Paolo Cannavaro on the phone, and then I spoke to the rest because they were in England.
"Now I am back in Italy and I will be able to speak to them again. Maybe we will all go out for dinner."
Mutu expects to be a major player for Chelsea, and is keen to make an immediate impact.
"I believe I will play my first game for Chelsea next Sunday against Liverpool.
"We are beginning the season with a really tough game."
