Fowler: I'm no junkie

Robbie Fowler has insisted that gossip that he has taken drugs is utter nonsense.

The Manchester City striker opened his account for the season in some style as his side drew 1-1 with Fulham on the first day of The Premiership.

Fowler admits that the gossip got so bad at one point during his time at Liverpool that his dad asked if he was a drug user.

"I've got three kids and I swear on their lives I've never taken anything in my life," said Fowler.

"I've got a career and the idea I would throw it away is crazy.

"I'll go out and have a drink - but that's it.

"You hear rumours about players all the time but there were more about me than anyone.

"It was frightening. It got to the point where my dad asked me, 'I've heard so many rumours, are you on drugs?'

"You try and laugh it off but it affected me towards the end.

"I still think people believe I'm on them now.

"The fact I'm from Toxteth doesn't help. If I was from Southport I wouldn't get half as much stick."