Solano claims innocence over rape charge

Peruvian international and former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano, who was arrested in England on suspicion of rape, on Wednesday protested his innocence, insisting he would clear his name.

The 35-year-old Leicester midfielder was arrested in the Gosforth area of Newcastle on Tuesday and then bailed following the rape claim made by a 22-year-old woman.

“All of this is completely false. I would never do these type of things. Only bad people are capable of this,” Solano told Lima’s Magaly TV station in a telephone interview.

He added that he had every confidence in the police investigation.

Solano became the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League when he joined Newcastle in 1998 from Argentinian side Boca Juniors.

He spent eight years at Newcastle in two spells and has also played for Aston Villa and West Ham before joining Championship club Leicester in January.