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Papu Gómez Plays First Match for Padova After Two-Year Doping Ban

The 37-year-old reenters competition following a suspension for a WADA-prohibited terbutaline finding.

Overview

  • Gómez came on early in the second half in Padova’s 2-0 home defeat to Venezia in Serie B.
  • The positive test was recorded during his time at Sevilla, which he says resulted from unintentionally taking his child’s cough syrup without notifying club medical staff.
  • The absence from official play lasted roughly two years, during which he left Monza, trained with Renato Calcio, and signed with Padova in October.
  • At his unveiling he said he declined offers from Argentina and abroad, setting a personal target of helping Padova pursue a return to Serie A.
  • His comeback is noted alongside Paul Pogba’s, as the French midfielder returned for Monaco after CAS reduced his doping ban to 18 months.