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FORMER Toon star Nolberto Solano will face no further action over a rape allegation.

The 35-year-old Peruvian was arrested by police in Newcastle in April following an allegation of rape by a 22-year-old woman from the city.

In a statement through his solicitors, Solano, nicknamed “Nobby” by fans, said he was “relieved” but angry he had been the subject of a “malicious and untrue accusation”.

He said: “Even though I knew I had done nothing wrong, the fear is that people may believe a false allegation.

“Thankfully Northumbria Police carried out a thorough and full investigation.

“I am grateful for their professionalism.”

Officers attended Solano’s Gosforth home at around 1am on Monday, April 26 and arrested the player, after the allegations of the attack were made by the woman shortly after midnight.

It is believed he was taken to Pilgrim Street police station in Newcastle city centre where he spent almost 12 hours being questioned.

Lawyer Simon McKay, who acted for Solano, said: “False allegations of sexual offences are damaging not just for the individual wrongly accused but also to genuine victims of rape and indecent assault who are left with the legacy such conduct leaves on the credibility of those really abused.”

In 1998, adopted Geordie Solano became the first Peruvian to play in the Premier League when he joined Newcastle United for £2.5m from Argentinean side Boca Juniors.

He still lives in the city despite now playing for Leicester City, but has announced he plans to retire at the end of the season.

A popular figure in his native Peru, where he is seen as one of the most famous Peruvians, appearing on a postage stamp.