Mutu not coming but Mancini staying at Roma

Roma´s Alessandro Mancini celebrates after scoring against Cagliari during a Serie A match in 2006. Roma were told that Fiorentina forward Adrian Mutu will not be joining but Mancini has pledged his future to the Italian giants.

      ROME (AFP) - Roma received mixed news on Friday as Romania forward Adrian Mutu insisted he will not be joining the club but Brazilian winger Alessandro Mancini pledged his future to the Seria A outfit.

      Fiorentina's Mutu has been the subject of much transfer speculation involving Roma but he told Ansa that he was not about to change colours.

      "It's always nice to have interest from Roma, as it is with other clubs," he said.

      "It makes you proud when you're wanted but like I've always said I'm thinking only of Fiorentina and I'm staying here."

      Roma are looking to bolster their playing resources in the winter transfer window as they bid to peg back Inter Milan's seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.

      Mutu has been in fine form for Fiorentina this season and Roma have been linked with him for some time, but the former Chelsea man wants to be a part of the bright future predicted for the young Viola squad.

      "Now it's up to us to show we are good enough to make the Champions League," he added.

      But while Mutu won't be arriving, Mancini won't be quitting the Italian capital for pastures new either.

      "Rome is my second home, I like this city and I don't want to leave the club," Mancini told the Roma TV channel.

      Mancini has been stalling on signing a new contract but he insisted that was not due to any desire to leave.

      "Firstly I want to clarify that I have never refused any talks with general executive Rosella Sensi," he said.

      "I've been at Roma for five years and I've yet to have any problems with the club, my relationship with Roma is both friendly and sincere.

      "The only problem is that he haven't yet come to agreement to prolong my contract, but that will happen. We'll talk about it again and I hope to find a fair solution because I want to stay at Roma."