“Mourinho? I only have one memory of him and that is winning the Europa League with Sevilla against him.” However, at that time, the midfielder had no idea of what was coming for him.

Now, in a shocking turn of events, Gomez faces a two-year doping ban as he’s been accused of consuming terbutaline, a prohibited substance by worldwide agencies. This Sunday, Mou didn’t forget Papu after his club got a 1-0 victory over AC Monza.

“I don’t recall him playing in the Europa League final against us. It seems he did so against Juventus in the semifinals with a positive result already. It’s not my problem. I have a cough, but I won’t take any syrup or any pills. Or else I might have trouble passing the anti-doping tests.”

A very controversial game for Jose Mourinho against AC Monza

For Jose Mourinho, Sunday’s match was a roller coaster. He confronted the AC Monza bench in the final minutes making gestures of silence and tears directed at his rivals with whom he had a polemic clash last season.

As a consequence, Mou saw the red card and won’t be on the pitch for next Saturday’s showdown with Inter Milan. Yes. He mocked them for ‘crying’ and complaining.

Papu Gomez explain why he tested positive in a doping control

Last Friday, AC Monza confirmed that they received the official notification from FIFA, through the Italian Federation, regarding the verdict from the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission against Papu Gomez.

“The player’s biological samples tested positive for Terbutaline, a medication taken to alleviate a bronchospasm crisis in October 2022 when the player was registered with Sevilla FC. The positive result is a result of unintentional ingestion. AC Monza reserves the right to assess the next procedural steps.”

Papu Gomez tested positive in October 2022 while he was still por Sevilla FC in Spain. Then, the midfielder went to the World Cup with Argentina where he was notified of the positive just a few hours before the final against France.

This Sunday, the player finally spoke about the controversial situation. “The alleged infraction arises from the presence of terbutaline in my system, as I mistakenly, accidentally, and without intent, took a spoonful of my young child’s cough syrup. However, it is important to note that the therapeutic use of Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and, in no way, enhances athletic performance in soccer.”

“Throughout my life, I have not only strictly adhered to all regulations, but have also positioned myself as a staunch advocate for clean sports and sportsmanship, condemning and categorically rejecting all forms of doping. I have never had nor will I ever have the intention of resorting to a prohibited practice.”

The episode for which Papu Gomez is being punished occurred in October 2022 while he was still playing at Sevilla FC in Spain. Then, the midfielder went to the World Cup with Argentina where he was notified of the positive just a few hours before the final against France.

“The alleged infraction arises from the presence of terbutaline in my system, as I mistakenly, accidentally, and without intent, took a spoonful of my young child’s cough syrup. However, it is important to note that the therapeutic use of Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and, in no way, enhances athletic performance in soccer.”

Why is Papu Gomez accused of doping?

Papu Gomez also confirmed he has entrusted the matter to his lawyers. The 35-year old will try to clean his name as he considers the disciplinary proceedings may not have been conducted in accordance with the regulations. The final stage of his professional career is on the line.

Yesterday, AC Monza, the current club of Papu, confirmed they’ve received the official notification from FIFA, through the Italian Football Federation, regarding the first-instance verdict from the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission against the Argentine player.

“The player’s biological samples tested positive for Terbutaline, a medication taken to alleviate a bronchospasm crisis in October 2022 when the player was registered with Sevilla FC. The positive result is a result of unintentional ingestion. AC Monza reserves the right to assess the next procedural steps.”

Last September, after his surprising exit from Sevilla, Papu Gomez signed a two-year contract with AC Monza. It was a free transfer for the Italian club.

Papu Gomez: What is terbutaline?

Terbutaline is a medication which belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-2 adrenergic agonists. It is primarily used as a bronchodilator, which means it relaxes the muscles in the airways of the lungs. This was the reason why Papu Gomez supposedly took the syrup.

It helps to relieve symptoms associated with various respiratory conditions, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Terbutaline leads to bronchial relaxation which permits the widening of the body’s air passages.

The club emphasized the verdict entails a two-year suspension from sporting activities and explained the reason why the player took the prohibited substance (terbutaline).

“The player’s biological samples tested positive for Terbutaline, a medication taken to alleviate a bronchospasm crisis in October 2022 when the player was registered with Sevilla FC. The positive result is a result of unintentional ingestion. AC Monza reserves the right to assess the next procedural steps.”

What happened with Alejandro Papu Gomez?

According to Papu Gomez, just a few days before the start of the World Cup at Qatar, he had a rough night which led him to take a syrup from one of his children without prior consultation with Sevilla’s medical staff.

The rules establish that, in this case, the player should have at least informed the club before taking it. Diario Ole reported that Papu Gomez found out about the positive result just hours before the World Cup final against France.

Papu Gomez: What is the substance ‘terbutaline’?

Terbutaline is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-2 adrenergic agonists. It is primarily used as a bronchodilator, which means it relaxes the muscles in the airways of the lungs. This was the reason explained by AC Monza in the official statement (bronchospasm).

It helps to relieve symptoms associated with various respiratory conditions, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Terbutaline leads to bronchial relaxation which permits the widening of the body’s air passages.

In the case of Papu Gomez, that was the intention when he took the syrup. To breathe better. However, terbutaline is a forbidden substance for the World Antidoping Agency.