President Sarkozy has finally explained why he gave an odd performance at a press conference that led many people to believe that he must have had a drink too many at a meeting with President Putin of Russia. He was, he said, simply out of breath.

Over 15 million internet users have watched video clips of the Sarkozy appearance two weeks ago at the G8 summit at Heiligendamm, Germany, after it first appeared on Belgian television. It has not been shown, however, on any main French television network and barely mentioned in the French press.

Mr Sarkozy told reporters that he only came across the video last Monday when he returned to the family home in Neuilly, and found his wife Cecilia and their children in fits of laughter over it.

His explanation of his odd state after his evening session with President Putin was that he was simply out of breath.

"I was running late so I went up the stairs four steps at a time," he said. "I didnt have anything special to say so I asked if there were any questions. I do not touch a drop of alcohol. That's no special merit, I just don't like it."

In the video, which was the talk of France last week, Mr Sarkozy appears to slur his speech and laughs and shrugs as he asks reporters to question him.

Mr Sarkozy indulged in a cigar as he recounted his G8 session to invited reporters in the Elysee palace yesterday, after announcing a cabinet reshuffle.

He said that the cigar felt good. He only smoked when he felt relaxed. "If I'm not relaxed it gives me a headache."

The French political and media world has concluded over the past week that Mr Sarkozy was merely out of breath and his usual euphoric self at the German press conference.

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