A notorious drug dealer has been arrested at the Brazilian home of Manchester United midfielder Anderson.

Richard Alex da Silva Martins 'Gigi' was detained at the home of the Brazil international after a year-long investigation, but Public Ministry official Ricardo Herbstrich stressed Anderson was not involved in the case.

Herbstrich, who led the operation in the Menino Deus neighbourhood in Porto Alegre, told the Zero Hora newspaper: "There is nothing against Anderson in this investigation.

"According to what we have, he is just a friend of the dealer and maybe he doesn't even know he is a criminal."

Agent Paulo Tonietto, who manages Anderson's businesses in Brazil, added: "The only thing I can say is that Anderson, as well as any other person, can be a friend of whoever he wants, but he is not involved in any crime.

"Anderson is a professional and he will offer an explanation of what has happened soon."