Shocked Davids denies using steroids

Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids has expressed his shock at failing a dope test.

"I have never used any kind of doping. I strongly condemn the use of it. I do not understand anyway those who try to improve their performances using these substances" he told a press conference at the Turin club's headquarters.

"After the match against Udinese on March 4th I reported for a routine doping test as happens for all Serie A players regularly."

"In the past I have made such a test many times. Obviously I expected that everything would be ok and the results would be negative."

"Therefore I was totally perplexed and surprised to read and hear the news of the last few days."

"It is said that there are traces of the banned substance Nandrolone but that has not been confirmed by CONI."

The Dutch international was tested after a March 4th Serie A game against Udinese and the results were "non-negative" according to Italian press reports at the weekend.

Juventus officials have gone off the record to express their anger that the media was so sure that the "non-negative" dope test result belonged to Davids.

There were rumours last Thursday that a Juve player had failed a dope test and Davids was named on Saturday - three days before Juventus were informed. The banned steroid nandrolone has been linked to the non-negative dope test result for Davids.

The FIGC and Italian Olympic committee (CONI) have sent Davids' sample for a second test which could lead to a two year FIFA ban for the player.

SS Lazio defender Fernando Couto tested positive for nandrolone earlier this month following samples taken two months ago. He is awaiting disciplinary action.

Davids played at the weekend in a 0-0 draw for Juventus at Parma AC which dented their title hopes after Serie A leaders AS Roma won 3-1 at Udinese.

The Holland international was signed by Juve nearly three years ago from AC Milan. Davids helped Ajax Amsterdam to the 1995 European Cup win before a short spell with Milan. He has a lucrative contract with sports wear manufacturers Nike and is a regular star of their television advertisements. He recovered from a glaucoma operation in 1999 to continue his career at top level but wears protective eye wear when playing.

Juventus have been in talks to sell Davids to Bundesliga title contenders Schalke 04 with Manchester United also linked with interest in the player. Schalke's plans to sign Davids would be killed off by any ban.