LONDON (AFP) - Disgraced Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu will undergo counselling in an effort to save his career after he tested positive for cocaine.
"Mutu will start a programme of psychological counselling in London, probably on Friday. This programme will be for one hour daily," said his agent Victor Becali.
"He has understood what has happened to him and he is very co-operative. Mutu seems to be getting his normal attitude back after spending some very bad days."
Romanian international Mutu, 25, has agreed to seek professional help after watching his career hit the rocks within 12 months.
A year ago, the Romanian international arrived at Stamford Bridge in a 15.8-million-pound switch from Parma and scored in his opening three games.
However, his two-year marriage to TV presenter Alexandra Dimu ended acrimoniously and this was compounded when she was awarded custody of their young son.
Now he is facing a battle to save his career, certainly in England, and has been forced to confront the problems associated with his flamboyant lifestyle.
By admitting he has taken cocaine, the player may have saved himself from a ban. The FA's disciplinary committee could order a minimum six-month suspension but, alternatively, they could order him to undergo a period of counselling, treatment and rehabilitation without imposing any ban.
They may react with more compassion to a recreational offence but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) refuses to recognise any distinction between a 'recreational' drug such as cocaine, and performance-enhancing substances.