Lucesu Claims Romania Should COnsider Mutu
Petrolul Ploiești manager Razvan Lucescu has claimed that the Romanian national team should consider recalling the former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. After a career that been spanned by controversies, Mutu is currently playing with the Romanian club Petrolul Ploiești. He helped them qualify into the Europa league group stages by stunning opponents Viktoria Plzeň from the Czech Republic. Due to the much higher club profile, Viktoria Plzeň were the overwhelming favourites to beat Petrolul Ploiești in the two legged qualifying match and progress to the final stages of the competition.
The first leg finished in a 1-1 draw at home for the Romanian club. As a result, the Czech Republic team went into the second leg with a lot of confidence of progressing to the next round due to the backing of the home supporters. However, a 4-1 thrashing meant that they were knocked out 5-1 on aggregate. Mutu scored a sensational goal in the second leg to help the team win the tie 5-1 on aggregate. It has been one of the shocks of the tournament. After the match, a delighted Lucescu said that he is extremely happy with the outcome.
He also says that the performance of Mutu has been extremely satisfying and that the 35-year-old striker should consider playing for the Romanian national team once again. Mutu retired from international football in 2013 after 77 appearances and 35 goals for the Romanian national team. “Mutu is a fantastic player that makes the difference. It has a special motivation when playing holder, and they enter the field as a reserve. Effort, struggles, make a difference. Certainly must be the national team, it is my opinion,” said Lucescu after the match. “I had a very good week with 13 goals in 3 matches. This is life. I’d like to be called to the national team,” said Mutu.