LONDON, Nov 17: Lazio defender Jaap Stam has vehemently denied taking performance-enhancing drugs following his positive test for the banned steroid nandrolone.

“I simply cannot believe this has happened to me and I feel sick at the suggestion I would take drugs,” the Dutch international said in his diary on the website icons.com.

“I do not know why the test should come out positive and I am in a state of shock and confusion.” The 29-year-old former Manchester United defender was suspended on Friday after the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said he had failed a test which took place after the Serie A match between Lazio and Atalanta on October 13.

A disciplinary hearing, at which Stam is not expected to be present, has been scheduled for 1330 GMT on Saturday.

In his diary Stam added: “One thing I can say without hesitation or doubt, however, is that I have never knowingly taken nandrolone or any other illegal substance.

“I am not and have never been a cheat and would never do anything like this to jeopardise the happiness of my family or the future of my career.

“It is ridiculous to suggest I would, whatever the test says.

Stam, who joined Lazio from Manchester United in a surprise 15.2-million-pound move in August, said he was worried about the consequences of his test in view of the bans given to two of his Dutch team mates for similar offences.—Reuters