Former Chelsea player arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking [Photos]

Former Chelsea loan signing Fabio Paim [Courtesy]

Former Chelsea loan signing Fabio Paim has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking in Alcoitao, Portugal.

According to Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha, police searched Paim’s house and seized 12 grams of cocaine, a BMW, weighing scales and 900 euros in cash.

The publication also adds Paim was arrested alongside a woman and had been under investigation for months.

Paim in action for Portugal [Courtesy]

Paim, who is 31 years of age now, was tipped to shine in the world of football by Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo when he joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

"If you think I'm good, just wait until you see Fabio Paim," said Ronaldo.

Paim was scouted by big clubs in Europe, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid gunning to acquire his services.

At the age of 19, Paim joined Chelsea on loan under the then manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Unfortunately, he failed to break into the senior squad and only made appearances for the Chelsea reserves.

Paim also endured unsuccessful spells at Real Massama and Rio Ave before officially being released by Sporting Lisbon in 2010. He went on to sign for third-tier Portuguese outfit S.C.U Torreense, where he only made three appearances before departing.

Paim blamed his fall from grace on lack of first-team football [Courtesy]

After this, he tried to jumpstart his football career, making appearances for teams in China, Malta, Angola, Lithuania, Brazil and Qatar.

In 2017, Paim came out to talk about his failed efforts to secure first-team football in big teams in Europa, specifically explaining why he felt he could never do it at Chelsea.

“I wanted to play. I felt I could do more. Jorge Mendes took me to Chelsea. I was getting good money and he had a player at the club and that was good for everyone. If it had been today I would have had more patience. But at the time, the more free time I had, the more stupid things I did,” lamented Paim.