Papu Gomez has responded to his recent two-year doping ban.
The Monza forward alleged that the banned substance found in his system was a result of his son’s cough medicine.
Gomez, who joined Monza as a free agent this month following Gianluca Caprari’s injury, had failed a doping test during his time at Sevilla in November 2022.
Following the test disclosure, the Spanish authorities have now enforced the two-year ban.
However, Gomez has released his first public statement since the ban, asserting that the positive result was due to mistakenly ingesting a cough medicine while attempting to provide relief for his son.
The 35-year-old attacking midfielder, who earned 17 caps for Argentina after debuting in 2017 took to his Instagram account on Sunday, October 22 to provide information about the incident.
He said he has no intention of ever resorting to a forbidden technique.
The alleged infraction is a result of the presence of Terbutaline in his system, which he unintentionally consumed while taking a spoonful of cough syrup meant for his son to help him alleviate his cough.
The statement read: “I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my license is suspended for a period of two years.”
“I always not just rigorously respected all the rules, but also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sporting behavior, condemning categorically any forms of doping.”
“I never, nor do I intend to, relied on a banned practice. The presumed violation originates from the presence of Terbutaline in my system, which I accidentally ingested with a spoonful of cough syrup for my son, to alleviate his cough.”
“It is important to specify that Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and in no way does it improve performance in football.”
In addition, Papu Gomez has instructed his lawyers to investigate the inquiry that resulted in his two-year ban from football
He added: “Without getting into the situation, I have asked my lawyers to look into the suggestion the disciplinary case was not treated according to the norms.”
“I finally wish to thank all those who showed me affection and support during these difficult moments of my professional life.”
Jose Mourinho scornfully mocks Papu Gomez
Roma manager Jose Mourinho has scornfully mocked Papu Gomez after he received a two-year ban for a failed doping test.
Mourinho’s remarks came in response to Gomez openly taunting him in the media last week.
Gomez played a role in Sevilla’s victory over Roma in the Europa League final last season.
Gomez stated: “Mourinho? I only have one memory of him, and that is winning the Europa League with Sevilla against him a few months ago.”
Meanwhile, after Roma’s victory against Monza in Serie A on Sunday, October 22, Mourinho couldn’t resist making a dig at the Argentine player.
During a post-match press conference, the Roma manager stated: “I don’t recall Gomez playing in the Europa League final.”
“I believe he faced Juventus with the positive control, but I prefer not to take that syrup or else I will find myself in trouble too. His situation is not my concern, discussing it would only complicate matters for me.”
