AFP, Bucharest

Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who has been suspended for seven months by the Football Association following a recent drugs scandal, turned his attention to fans in his native Romania here Tuesday.

"There’s no justification for what I’ve done. I want to apologise to all the supporters of the national team," the Romanian international told reporters at a press conference.

Mutu tested positive for cocaine, although he later denied it was the drug involved and instead explained he had taken a substance to improve his sex life.

The 25-year-old Romania captain's future is uncertain following his sacking by Chelsea and his FA ban, but he has tried to send out a clear message of his intentions.

"What the fans have to remember is that I'm not a role model. I was far from living the life of a professional athlete and I'm the only one who's to blame for what has happened.

"I’m dependent on football, not on drugs," affirmed Mutu, who said he was ready to undergo any drugs test in the future.

He added: "According to the English FA, I will have to have a test once a month."

While Mutu’s club career could relatively easily kick off again, his international outlook is still unclear.

Mutu has already taken a step towards getting back to playing and said he will start training immediately with Romanian first division side Dynamo Bucharest.

"It's where I started my career, so it's like a second home to me," he explained. "I’m going to do what I can during my suspension to get back to full fitness.”

Mutu also made a plea to the Romanian media, who up until his sorry episode had held him aloft

"The critiques coming my way

over the past few weeks have all been justified, but all I ask is for you not to judge me. I'm not here on trial.”

Mutu said he would turn down an offer to become an assistant’ coach for the Romanian national team.

Though he said he would not become an assistant coach, Mutu said he would remain close to the Romanian squad and accompany it to the next World Cup qualifier in Yerevan, Armenia.

Mutu was captain of the national team, scoring key goals against Finland and Macedonia and helping Romania to the top of Group 1 in World Cup qualifiers.

Chelsea terminated Mutu’s contract on the grounds of "gross misconduct," as part of their "zero-tolerance" drugs policy.

He was also fined 20,000 pounds by the FA's disciplinary committee who said his suspension would be subject to him completing a "programme of education and rehabilitation."