Drug charges against Former Brazil international Adriano dropped

Adriano while he was playing for the Brazilian national team.

A Rio de Janeiro judge has thrown out drug-related charges against former Brazil striker Adriano.

Prosecutors had this week requested a criminal case be brought against the 32-year-old for his alleged links to a local drug-trafficker, reported Xinhua. But Judge Maria Tereza Donatti said in court document that prosecutors had acted "hastily" and "failed to adequately formulate" their accusation against the former Inter Milan star.

In a statement, Adriano said he had always felt confident the charge would be dropped.

"I knew that everything would be ok," he said. "I don't owe anything to anybody, I am honest, I pay my taxes and I am proud of my origin."

Adriano, who has not played since being released by Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense in April, is reportedly close to signing a contract with French second division club Le Havre. Once considered one of the game's best strikers, Adriano has been beset by injuries and personal problems for most of his career.