Lionel Messi reached the top of world soccer on December 18, 2022, when he led Argentina to victory over France within the FIFA World Cup Last. Alongside him, 25 different gamers etched their names into the game’s most superb chapter. However not lengthy after that triumph, a type of stars was handed a major suspension for testing constructive for a banned substance.
Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez was a starter in Argentina’s matches in opposition to Saudi Arabia and Australia through the 2022 World Cup. On the time, he was taking part in for Sevilla in La Liga, the place he remained till the summer season of 2023. His transfer to Monza sparked excessive hopes for the Italian aspect, which had simply signed a 35-year-old World Cup champion who nonetheless had a lot to supply.
Nevertheless, Gomez’s stint at Monza was short-lived. He performed solely two Serie A matches earlier than it was revealed he had examined constructive in an October 2022 anti-doping management for Terbutaline, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Company. The Argentine midfielder defined that he had taken a cough syrup supposed for his youngsters—however the rationalization didn’t forestall a two-year suspension.
Now making ready for his return to the pitch with Padova in Italy’s Serie B, Papu opened up about that tough chapter in an interview on the De Visitante podcast. “The primary few months have been powerful. It was onerous for me to observe soccer at first—I’d flip off the TV. Soccer had died for me,” mentioned Alejandro.
Alejandro Gomez of Argentina walks previous the The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy.
“I remoted myself and began working with a psychologist as a result of I used to be caught in a loop I couldn’t get out of,” added the 37-year-old midfielder, who final performed an official match on October 8, 2023, in Monza’s 3–0 win over Salernitana. “Why ought to I be pressured to retire from soccer after I don’t wish to and it’s not my time? Why ought to two or three individuals in fits, who’ve by no means performed sports activities, determine after I’m finished?”
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Gomez questions anti-doping requirements
In the identical interview, Alejandro Gomez shared his views on how anti-doping is regulated in skilled soccer. Particularly, he criticized what he sees as inconsistencies in how circumstances are judged and punished.
“You’re taking cocaine or smoke marijuana and so they provide you with a six-month ban,” mentioned Papu. “I needed to serve two years for consuming my son’s cough syrup. Who could make sense of that?”
Gomez displays on soccer and life after the ban
With the good thing about time and perspective, Alejandro Gomez mirrored on each his skilled journey and what nonetheless lies forward. “I don’t wish to dwell off recollections. I can’t come dwelling and watch a aim I scored 5 years in the past. What’s the purpose? A very powerful factor is the current,” he mentioned.
Papu additionally admitted he was upset by the way in which individuals near him behaved after his suspension. “When issues are going effectively, everybody’s round. Once they’re not, nobody is,” mentioned the midfielder. “There’s all types of individuals, however I used to be shocked by what number of simply disappeared.”
Gomez’s suspension will formally finish in October, clearing the way in which for his debut with Padova in Serie B. Now 37, he’s aiming to return to prime type and shut out a profitable profession on his personal phrases—even when his golden days with Argentina and Sevilla are already behind him.
