Stam set for return
The Lazio defender left Manchester United in acrimony, following the publication of Stam's 'tell-all' autobiography, where he talked candidly about the Old Trafford club and its personnel.
In an adaptation of an updated chapter from his book 'Head to Head', Stam revealed his frustration and anger at his move to Italy and the sudden news of the positive drug test.
The Dutchman wrote about how he first learned of his drug ban: "A Dutch journalist told me I was about to be suspended for drug use.
"I laughed off his claim as a prank and told him to ignore the story, because it couldn't be true.
"However, soon my phone was hot with messages from friends, assuring me there was indeed a problem, and I began to realise the full extent of the situation when informed that it was the Italian Olympic Committee which had made the claim.
"I remember the test vividly. It came after the defeat of Atalanta on October 13, my first win in Lazio colours.
"I remember struggling to fill the bottle, because I had lost so much fluid on a very hot afternoon, but I had no fears about the consequences.
"I thought nothing more about the test until that fateful Friday afternoon."
The Dutch international went on to talk about his confusion over his sale from The Red Devils, claiming that Ferguson only knows the true reasons for his exit.
Stam added: "I guess the only time we are really going to know is when he (Ferguson) writes his next book.
"Given how he reacted to my book, I hope that, like me, you can see the irony in that.
"I can only presume that Manchester United must have been looking for some cash and I was a very saleable asset.
"The furore over the book probably gave them the perfect smokescreen to move me on without upsetting the fans."
Stam also bears no grudge to his United successor, Frenchman Laurent Blanc, claiming: "I have no problems with Laurent and admire him for being a brilliant defender, who helped his country to win the World Cup in 1998.
"I don't blame him for wanting to join United, either. I just don't understand why Ferguson felt he was a better option than me."
The Dutchman feels his drug ban might have been a result of his own body producing natural levels of nandrolone.
Stam wrote: "Now I understand that the body can produce nandrolone of its own accord, which offers the only feasible explanation for my plight.
"Unfortunately, there have not been enough scientific tests to confirm the fact and, until the experts come up with answers, I guess I shall just have to wait."
Stam will be available Sunday for Lazio's away fixture at Brescia, as the club look to recover from a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Roma last weekend.
