Thuram worried by threat of Mutu as France prepare for Euro assault
Lilian Thuram is worried by the threat former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu will pose France when they play Romania in Zurich today.
Mutu, now with Fiorentina, made a big impression on Thuram when they were team-mates at Juventus for the 2005-06 season.
“He is outstanding - and when it comes to set-pieces, he is one of the best players around,” said Thuram.
Adrian Mutu will lead Romania's front line in their opening Euro 2008 match against France
“He has made a difference for both Fiorentina and Parma - and from what I saw of him at Juventus, I know how dangerous a player he can be.”
Mutu has been ordered to pay his old club Chelsea £9.6million for testing positive for cocaine.
Chelsea sacked Mutu in October 2004, and he was subsequently handed a seven-month worldwide football ban.
Cristian Sarbu, Mutu’s lawyer, insisted his client would contest FIFA’s ruling but Romania coach Victor Piturca said: “I don’t think it has affected him at all while he’s been preparing for this game.”
While Romania have no new injury problems, France still have concerns over Franck Ribery (ankle) and Thierry Henry (back).
Patrick Vieira is out as he struggles to recover fully from a thigh tear, so Thuram will captain the side.
