The Romanian outfit reached an agreement with Fiorentina to buy Mutu for £18 million before the Romanian front man plugged off the move in its final stages.

"I had the Roma jersey in my grasp and went very close to making the move, but then…," Mutu told Corriere Dello Sport on Saturday.

"President Andrea Della Valle and Cesare Prandelli were instrumental in turning down the transfer, but above all other it was me who called off the move."

Mutu stated that he opted to stay in Florence as he believes Fiorentina can be a top Italian power within the next few years.

"I decided to stay and, although Fiorentina are not able to win the Schudetto this year, I'm sure things will be different in the future," said the 29-year-old.

The former Chelsea man missed Fiorentina's first league game due to an elbow injury but is confident that he will be back for the team's game against Napoli.

"I'm so much better now and my fitness levels are alright too. I count on being there for the Napoli game and the trip to Lyon in the Champions League."