London, Mar. 23 : A furious Manchester City and Brazilian football star Robinho has demanded an apology and an explanation from erstwhile soccer great Pele for accusing him of taking drugs.

A spokesman for Brazilian Robinho said: "We strenuously refute any such suggestions. The notion of him taking drugs is absurd and we completely deny it. We are trying at this moment to get Pele to clarify the situation. We think these comments have been genuinely misunderstood or got lost in translation."

The Sun quoted the spokesman as saying further that they will press for a retraction if one does not come voluntarily.

Pele, 68, now a global ambassador for the sport, made the slur at a private event in Brazil. The tourism event where Pele spoke was closed to the press and public. (ANI)