Romanian's apology to Chelsea fans

Adrian Mutu has publicly apologised to Chelsea fans in the wake of his sacking from the club and his subsequent seven-month ban for taking cocaine.

"I've made a mistake and I am sorry," Mutu told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Who doesn't make mistakes in this life? I'm really sorry. I know I have disappointed them. I wish them all the best, and I wish to see Chelsea at a good level."

The Romanian captain's ban, which began on 25 October, will run until 18 May next year. He was also fined £20,000 by the English FA and will be subject to target-testing throughout the period of suspension.

David Beckham, meanwhile, appeared on the same station's "Des Meets..." and told Des Lynam that while he is happy at Real Madrid, it was never his intention to leave Manchester United. "My transfer was not discussed with me. I was on holiday in the United States and a mate phoned to say he had just seen on Sky that the club had agreed a deal with Barcelona," Beckham said.

"It was upsetting the way things ended. Sir Alex Ferguson didn't discuss anything with me. I had grown up under him. I was happy to stay at Manchester United, I am still a fan of the club, but things like that happen in football.

"I have not spoken to Sir Alex since [former United clubmate] Jimmy Davis's funeral. We'd probably say hello if we saw each other, but that's it," he said.

Beckham indicated that he has moved on with his life, after intrusion into his private life made it difficult to perform at Euro 2004. "All the rumours, which were untrue, had an effect on me on the pitch. But now nothing anyone says can affect me any more. I have a lovely wife, two lovely boys and one on the way."

And what of the future? "I have heard all the rumours about me joining Chelsea. That's all they are, rumours. I am happy at the moment at Real Madrid. I have never spoken to Chelsea."