Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has been forced to deny allegations of cannabis use during a podcast appearance with football influencer Papa Pincus.
The 19-year-old Spanish centre-half was directly asked if he smoked marijuana after the podcast host claimed he looked "pretty medicated on weed".
Huijsen, who joined the Cherries from Juventus for £12.6million last summer, laughed awkwardly before explaining his appearance.
The defender has enjoyed an impressive debut season at the Vitality Stadium, attracting interest from several top clubs.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has been forced to deny allegations of cannabis use during a podcast appearance with football influencer Papa Pincus.
X
The unusual exchange occurred during what was otherwise a standard football interview.
"Basically, for everyone watching, I have sleepy eyes. I have it from my mum because my mum has sleepy eyes," Huijsen explained on the podcast.
The Spanish defender was quick to dismiss any suggestion of drug use.
"I'm not high. I'm sorry, I'm not high. We're not allowed to take weed, it's doping control," he insisted.
"I'm not high. It's how I was born. I can't do anything about it."
JUST IN:Thomas Tuchel defends England star and reveals four positives from Latvia win at Wembley
Just a chill guy taking a selfie with his man of the match trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/H3Fz3E6VX2
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 26, 2024
The questioning came after the podcast host directly asked Huijsen if he smoked cannabis.
Professional footballers are subject to regular anti-doping tests which would detect cannabis use.
The podcast host also referenced a photograph of Huijsen holding up his Player of the Match award after Bournemouth's 3-0 win over Manchester United in December.
In the image, the defender's right eye appears extremely red and bloodshot.
This physical appearance could be misinterpreted as a symptom of cannabis use.
READ MORE:Emma Raducanu reveals secret to resurgent form after beating Amanda Anisimova at Miami Open
Huijsen quickly clarified the actual cause of his bloodshot eye.
"I got a ball in my eye. Someone shot and it went right in my eye. So I was even worse," he explained.
The Spanish defender had scored the opener at Old Trafford in that match before teammates Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo added two more goals.
Huijsen has made 23 Premier League appearances this season for Bournemouth.
He has been part of a defence that has conceded just 36 goals, with only Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace having better defensive records.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The teenager's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by top clubs.
According to reports, Manchester United are considering making a move for the Spanish defender.
Real Madrid and several top German clubs are also believed to be interested in securing his signature.
The 19-year-old's rapid development since his £12.6million move from Juventus has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
After completing international duty with Spain, Huijsen will return to Bournemouth for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on March 30.
The Cherries still have European qualification within their sights as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.
Bournemouth will face Ipswich, West Ham and Fulham in their next three league fixtures following the cup tie with City.
Huijsen's defensive contributions will be vital as Bournemouth push for what would be a historic achievement for the club.
