Disgraced Romanian international Adrian Mutu, who faces an FA hearing on Thursday after being sacked by Chelsea following a positive test for cocaine, says he has no intention of quitting soccer.

"Mr Mutu intends to accept whatever is the outcome of the FA hearing and to work hard to return to the game, if banned, as a stronger player all-round, and at the highest possible level," said a statement from his lawyers Campbell Hooper on Monday.

"Our client sincerely regrets having taken a prohibited substance. Although he believes and appreciates that this behaviour was unacceptable, he had been suffering severe personal difficulties at the time."

Mutu was sacked by the Premier League club last month for gross misconduct after he tested positive for the drug.

The statement added: "...the suggestions in the press that Mr Mutu had taken this substance just before playing football or that he played with it in his system are completely untrue.

"So too are the reports of his criticism of Chelsea FC or those stating that he wants to leave football."

"APOLOGISES PROFUSELY"

The 25-year-old, bought from Italian club Parma last year for almost 16 million pounds ($29.32 million), faces a maximum two-year ban from soccer.

"He apologises profusely to everybody involved with and supporters of Chelsea FC," said the statement.

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"Thankfully, with the excellent support of the FA, PFA and Peter Kay of The Sporting Chance Clinic, Mr Mutu has already made significant progress in dealing with these difficulties.

"He greatly regrets not seeking professional help earlier.

"Mr Mutu loves football -- it is his life, and he has absolutely no intention of leaving the game. He wishes to put this regrettable error of judgment behind him."

Mutu is the second player to be sacked by Chelsea for cocaine abuse following the dismissal of Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich two years ago.