Mutu's staying at the Bridge

Adrian Mutu has pledged his future to Chelsea after showdown talks with Roman Abramovich.

The Romanian striker had a meeting with the Blues owner in the dressing room, also attended by chief executive Peter Kenyon, after yesterday's 3-0 victory over Real Zaragoza and has been convinced to stay at Stamford Bridge. Mutu was on the verge of completing a loan move to Juventus last week but Abramovich intervened to prevent the departure of one of his favourite players.

The Russian billionaire spent 30 minutes persuading Mutu to stay, calling him the best striker in Europe, and at the end of the meeting was satisfied by the player's renewed commitment.

Mutu said: "I have a great opportunity at Chelsea and am determined to take it. I have strong feelings for Chelsea and want to stay. I am not going anywhere and want everyone to know I'm staying at Chelsea.

"I have not changed my mind and never said I wanted to go to Juventus. I never wanted to leave Chelsea and am happy here."

Juventus are expected to make a renewed bid for Mutu before the transfer window closes at the end of the month but will struggle to prise him from west London.

After a turbulent first season at Chelsea, in which he went from crowd favourite to boo-boy within a matter of months, Mutu is aiming for improved fortunes this time around.

He added: "This is my declaration. I am staying at Chelsea, I am happy here and will prove myself on the pitch.