Deco, the former Chelsea, Barcelona and Portugal playmaker, has tested positive for a banned substance while playing in Brazil for Fluminense.

The 35 year old was tested following a game with Boavista last month and his sample tested positive for traces of furosemide, a diuretic that has been banned as it can potentially be used to mask other illegal substances.

The club have said they will not offer a full statement until the ‘B’ sample has been tested.

The player’s spokesman, Felleger Ahaz, has said: “"The first concern for Deco is defending his image and not with any punishment or suspension.

"He has for a long time taken a vitamin supplement and certainly there has been some contamination."