Newspaper links English game with massive creatine use

The English newspaper 'The Independent' claimed yesterday that 57% of British athletes - including most top level footballers - use creatine.

The substance is at the centre of the Turin investigation into drugs in Italian football after players with Juventus admitted using the substance which can boost stamina if taken in large quantities and aid recovery from injury. Italian magistrates are investigating the premature deaths of 45 footballers over the past three decades as no doctors are certain about the long term effects of using the drug. It has been linked to liver and kidney disease but absolute proof is pending.

Juventus, Parma and Lazio are the main focus of the Italian investigation which has been continuing for the past four months. Lazio striker Christian Vieri was interviewed yesterday about the use of creatine and other performance enhanciong drugs in football. The England team at the World Cup and double winners Arsenal all used creatine as well.