Adrian Mutu, sacked by Chelsea for using cocaine, has signed a five year contract with Juventus, the Italian Serie A club confirmed.

The Romanian international striker was released by the Premiership leaders in October after testing positive for the recreational drug.

He was then handed a seven month ban by the English Football Association which means he will not be free to play for his new club until the worldwide suspension ends on May 18.

Mutu could return to action at a potentially crucial time of the season as after that day Juve will still have two Serie A matches left to play.

Fabio Capello's side could also be involved in the Champions League should they reach the final, which will be played on May 25.

Mutu, 26, is returning to Italy after stints with Inter Milan and Parma before his unhappy move to the Premiership, which ended with his sacking for gross misconduct by Chelsea.

Since his ban Mutu has been training with another former club, Dinamo Bucharest.

Juventus are top of Serie A and have a four point lead over second-placed AC Milan.

(Agencies)