Mutu enjoying 'starring role' May 01 2008
Adrian Mutu sat through a Champions League semi-final in his Chelsea days and insists the UEFA Cup last-four against Rangers means more to him.
Mutu, who left Stamford Bridge under a cloud after a failed drugs test, has been a vital cog in Fiorentina's success while at the Blues he was less influential.
The 29-year-old was on the bench for the Londoners in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Monaco in 2004, and was not called on by manager Claudio Ranieri.
He then was left out for the second leg, a huge game for the club after their 3-1 away defeat, and Ranieri's side managed only a 2-2 draw.
The Romanian international did not produce his best form for the Stamford Bridge side.
"But with Fiorentina I feel different," said Mutu, "because I have played so many minutes for this team, given my contribution, scored goals.
"I feel as though I have had a starring role."
Mutu has scored six goals in the UEFA Cup this season and will be the focal point of the Viola attack against Rangers in Florence.
He will hold nothing back, despite being one booking away from missing the final in Manchester on May 14 should his team progress.
Mutu did not make a great impact in the goalless draw at Ibrox last week but was not too concerned with his individual performance.
"I can't think of myself but of the team," he said.
"If destiny wishes to play a trick on me, then there's little I can do.
"I will not shy away. It's not a problem. We will just all have to pray that this doesn't happen."
It has been a long campaign for Mutu and Fiorentina, who are currently fourth in Serie A and battling for a place in the Champions League next season.
But Mutu believes he and his team-mates have enough fuel in the tank to beat Rangers, whose campaign has been every bit as gruelling.
"The adrenaline rush you get allows you to overcome the tiredness," he added.
Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is convinced his players can overcome Sunday's disappointing 2-2 draw against Sampdoria, who equalised in injury-time.
"The players have trained with enthusiasm and everyone is very motivated," he Prandelli.
"They were not affected from a psychological point of view after the draw against Sampdoria.
"The spirit is that of a team which is working to reach something important.
"We are aware that we will experience a magical night tomorrow, and we are happy and proud to be in the semi-final."
Prandelli is expecting to face a different approach from Rangers.
"We know Rangers play well away from home," he said.
"They have a lot of experience and we will have to be very good and not concede any chances because any episode will change the game.
"I am not that convinced they will play tactically the same way they did in the opening leg.
"They will try to hit us in the counter-attack and our approach has to be one of taking control of the game and finding balance."