Doctors say Fadiga's condition could be serious

But the Italian Serie A side's new signing has denied reports that he has health problems which could derail his career.

"Believe me there is no problem and I have nothing to hide," Fadiga told the Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday.

The 28-year-old signed for Inter last week from French club Auxerre after playing more than 50 games last season.

Medics say he has an abnormal heartbeat and could have a heart attack on the pitch.

Fadiga could put his life in danger Bruno Caru Heart consultant

Fadiga, who helped Senegal to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, is due to undergo further medical tests after Thursday's examination revealed he may have a heart problem.

"I took every test possible and the results were okay, apart from a little bit of stress and a slight problem with my right knee.

"I know that in the past 24 hours there has been a lot of gossip about me, especially about my health, but I'm fit and well," said Fadiga, for whom Inter paid $3.4m.

Although Fadiga's claims were supported by his agent, Issa Traore, medical experts examining the Senegalese player believe his condition could be serious.

"If he puts himself under too much stress there is a risk he could put his life in danger," said cardiologist Bruno Caru, who diagnosed Fadiga as having an irregular heart-beat.

"It's a problem that could lead to cardiac arrest."

Fadiga's agent said that a definite picture of Fadiga's health should emerge by the beginning of next week.

"The best thing to do now is wait rather than talk. I think we should have an answer by Monday or Tuesday," said Traore.

There is no problem and I have nothing to hide Khalilou Fadiga

Fadiga's problems came to light less than a month after Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed during a Confederations Cup semi-final in France.

He was carried off on a stretcher and died later. An autopsy concluded heart problems were to blame.

In 1996, Inter's doctors discovered that newly-signed Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu had a faulty aorta valve and said he would never play again.