• Premier League

Toure took wife's diet pill - Wenger

ESPN staff
March 4, 2011
Arsene Wenger brought Kolo Toure to Arsenal, before selling him on to Manchester City © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger has leapt to the defence of Kolo Toure following the Manchester City player's failed drug test.

Wenger, who brought Toure to Arsenal in 2002, claimed that the Ivorian had taken his wife's diet pills after struggling with weight problems.

Toure was suspended by Manchester City on Thursday, having tested positive for a "specified substance", and he could face a two-year ban.

"He wants to control his weight a little bit because that's where he has some problems and he took the product of his wife," he said.

"It is a complete surprise because I had Kolo here for years. Very honest living, clean life, always at home - a family man. I do not suspect him at all to have taken drugs to enhance his performances.

"He was not cautious enough. I do not think there was a desire there to do something wrong and then hide it."

A "specified substance" is, as the World Anti-Doping Agency defines it, one that is "more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation".

Toure joined City in a £14 million deal from Arsenal in 2009 and served as the club's captain until Carlos Tevez took over last summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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