Vieira denies Actovegin use

France midfielder rejects drug claims

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 9th October 2008

Vieira denies Actovegin use

Vieira: Claims denied

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Patrick Vieira has rejected claims that he used the drug Actovegin in a bid to speed up the recovery from his summer thigh injury.

The France international did not feature during a dismal Euro 2008 campaign as Raymond Domenech's side crashed out at the group stage.

Actovegin is not available in France, but is on the market elsewhere in Europe, including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Inter Milan midfielder Vieira confirmed he considered several options for treatment, but eventually decided to let nature take its course.

Upset

The former Arsenal ace has been left angry at suggestions he was looking to gain an unfair advantage and insists his conscience is clear.

He told L'Equipe: "I'm upset. This is not how I have managed 15 years of my career.

"I asked about several options for treatment. I received proposals from each and I judged which one would help me heal quickest. I never took anything.

"Once again, I am being given a trial for something that did not happen.

"I have done nothing banned or illegal and I can continue without problems looking into the mirror."