Papu Gomez: 'I Became a World Champion, Yet No One Acknowledges Me!'

Papu Gomez, the former captain of Atalanta and Monza, is enduring a challenging period in his career due to a doping suspension following Argentina's triumph in the 2022 World Cup. The 36-year-old midfielder shared his feelings in an interview with Tutto Sport, stating, "I went from being a world champion with Argentina in Qatar to being completely ignored; it's as if I've disappeared."

Gomez emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective, noting, "We must understand that neither our highest achievements define us as the best, nor our lowest moments make us the worst. It's crucial to focus on other aspects of life."

Reflecting on the suspension, he recounted, "After the suspension was lifted, I was eagerly anticipating my return to the field. However, upon receiving the final verdict, it felt as though my world had collapsed."

Gomez clarified the circumstances leading to his positive doping test, explaining that it resulted from consuming cough syrup prior to the World Cup. He admitted his mistake in not informing the Argentine team's medical staff, stating, "A few days after the test, the team doctor asked if I had taken anything, but I forgot to mention the cough syrup I had used due to a cold. If I had informed him at that time, none of this would have happened."

He revealed the timing of the notification, saying, "Four days before the World Cup final, I received an email indicating a positive doping test. I was terrified. Imagine celebrating reaching the final with the team, only to receive such news."