World Cup winner Papu Gomez sent into early retirement after drugs ban

Argentinian World Cup winner Alejandro 'Papu' Gomez was banned for two years on Friday night after testing positive in a doping case.

The ban comes after Gomez was tested in October last year, shortly before he met up with his Argentinian teammates for the World Cup.

The Monza forward believes the banned substance has come from his son's cough syrup, and that error could have potentially ended his career.

The former Sevilla attacker is not getting any younger, currently 35 years old, and the ban will take him to 37 if it sticks.

For a young player, this may be okay, but for 35-year-old Gomez, it would be nearly impossible to pick the game back up at a high level with two years out and being 37.

The Atalanta legend knows the severity of the ban he is facing and has taken to social media to pledge his innocence.

According to theathletic.com, his statement read: "I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my license is suspended for a period of two years."

"(I've) also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sporting behavior, condemning categorically any forms of doping."

The substance in the cough syrup was Terbutaline, which he used to alleviate his cough. According to his statement: "Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes, and in no way does it improve performance in football."

Since finding out the news of his ban, Gomez has instructed lawyers to investigate the situation, with the thought he hasn't been banned fairly.

According to theguardian.com, Gomez said: "I have asked my lawyers to look into the matter as I believe the disciplinary case was not treated according to the rules."

In most cases, an athlete has been banned for using illegal substances, and the substance has been used to improve performance. However, Gomez hasn't used anything to improve his ability.

Current Roma boss Jose Mourinho never fails to shy away from making comments, with he and Gomez exchanging words in the last week over the banning situation.

According to goal.com, before the ban, Gomez said: "Mourinho? I only have one memory of him, and that is winning the Europa League with Sevilla against him a few months ago."

Speaking after Roma beat Monza at the weekend, without Gomez, Mourinho said: "Gomez? He didn't play in the Europa League final. I think he played against Juventus with positive control, but I don't want to take that syrup. Otherwise, I'll be in trouble too."

Papu Gomez is still awaiting a response from FIFA after appealing the ban. If unsuccessful, the World Cup winner's career ends on an extremely sour note.