Fiorentina chief brands Mutu a 'child'

Mutu failed a drugs test (GETTY IMAGES)

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has described Adrian Mutu as a "child" following the player's doping positive tests.

The Italian Olympic Committee announced last week that Mutu twice tested positive for anti-obesity drug sibutramine and the 31-year-old striker could face a lengthy ban.

The Romania international's actions have forced Fiorentina to move in the transfer market to reinforce their attacking line.

Corvino said to Rai Radio: "The club owners, the coach and the team are all upset.

"Everything is linked with a banal mistake.

"Mutu is still a child and has done something stupid.

"On the pitch he is a champion but outside it he hasn't understood that at 30 years old he needs to act with sense."

The former Chelsea star has been temporarily banned by the Italian football league as he awaits the outcome of his B sample.

In 2004, Mutu was sacked by Chelsea after testing positive for cocaine, and was given a seven-month worldwide football suspension.

After being axed by the Premier League giants and serving his ban, Mutu joined Juventus in January 2005 before moving to Fiorentina at the end of the following season.

Mutu is under contract with the Viola until June 2012 and has struck four goals in 11 league appearances for Fiorentina.