Former Atalanta forward Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez is making his way back to the football pitch. The 36-year-old Argentine, who was suspended for doping by UEFA for two years during his stint with Sevilla, has no intention of leaving professional football. He has resumed training with Manchego, a club playing in the Spanish Tercera RFEF.
Taking advantage of his vacation in Spain, Gomez accepted an invitation to train with Manchego, a historic club in the Castilla-La Mancha region. Speaking about the experience, the former World Cup winner expressed great satisfaction: “I came to Madrid to visit some friends and found people who invited me to train. The facilities are fantastic, they have nothing to envy from a first division club, and the group is spectacular. Being part of a locker room again is life.”
Despite the inactivity caused by the suspension, Gomez remains confident about his return to professional football: “There’s not much left, and I hope to return next season. I want to choose a good club, in a city where my family can be comfortable, and enjoy this sport for a few more years. I’ve always taken care of myself and never had serious injuries.”
Gomez also commented on Sevilla’s current situation, the club with which he won the Europa League in 2023: “Sevilla is going through a difficult time. There have been many coaching changes, a young squad, and many new additions. I don’t know why, but they are struggling. I hope they can recover soon. I’m a Sevilla fan and wish them the best.”
Reiterating his intention to return to playing as soon as the suspension ends, Gomez told Eco di Bergamo: “I want to return to playing. The suspension expires in 2025, but I’m working to return earlier if possible. I would like to play in Italy, maybe in Serie A or Serie B. I train every day to stay in shape and patiently await positive news. We hope for a reduction in the sentence so that I can return to the field as soon as possible.”
