“Everything is settled with Gasperini, we did not deserve such an outcome after Seville”

Papu Gomez (Buenos Aires 1988) is currently punished for doping. He’s an Atalanta legend and analyzes the Europa League final for AS. It’s not an easy stage, but from Bergamo, where he lives with his family, he explains what he expects from his former team’s match and the coming months, which are key for him to play again.

How are you, Papu?

Everything is fine. Life in Bergamo. After signing the contract with Monza, the easiest thing was to move here, 40 kilometers from here. We know Bergamo. We stayed here for 7 years and could have gone to Monza. Since being suspended, I have been living a quiet life and enjoying other things that I may not have been able to do before.

Are you harsh? Not football for a football player…

Yes, that’s clear. But this finds me at a more mature stage of my life. I’m 36 years old, I’m already more mature. It would have been more difficult if he had caught me at a different stage, at 20 or 25 years old. There are more important things. I can’t complain: I have health, friends, family…

How are you?

We continue to contact lawyers and seek a reduced sentence. The sanction lasted two years, and we are looking at whether something can be done to reduce it. I live patiently, waiting for positive news. Hopefully there will be news this month or next. Let’s see if they reduce my fine and if I can play again. Meanwhile, I play a lot of padel tennis. There is a group of Argentines, and I play tournaments with them: Denis, Cambiasso…

How do you see your former team Atalanta reaching the Europa League final?

A revolution took place in the city. This is one of the most important years in the club’s history. They have never made it this far in European competition. A wonderful year. They can’t ask for more. The hand of the coach and society is noticeable.

What is DEA?

The club is family oriented and has a great sense of community. Owners: Bergamasco. A few years ago they sold 51% of the shares to some Americans. They are very involved in the club, present every day. They bought the team in B, kept it in A and very slowly started a process with Gasperini that led to a more winning mentality change.

A club with a great youth team and a great job recruiting young people.

Yes, every year they play in Europe, sell young players, and the club is healthy. Atalanta is one of the best youth teams in Italy. Moreover, Gasperini overrates boys and young players. This is unusual for the club. You don’t have to sell. He sets the price he wants for his players. Doesn’t give away.

How did you end up in Bergamo?

After Catania, I was sold to Ucania, I played there for a year, and when the war began, I was able to return to Italy. I had Hellas Verona or Atalanta. This was not the Atalanta of today as they struggled for consistency. But among the regional teams it was one of the most famous. In addition, I had Lionel Scaloni, Germán Denis, Maxi Morales… Argentines that I knew. They told me very well about the club.

Was there a better Papa in his career?

Definitely. He caught me at a great stage, from 26 to 33 years old, which is the best time for a player. I met such an outstanding specialist as Gasperini. It has changed my mentality and the way I see the game.

There is a lot of talk about technology…

Gasperini has a school – he always says it – Ajax, Cruyff, Guardiola… He plays very attacking football, pressing, with a defensive line at the top and three central defenders. This gave me and other players strength. It has been around for 8 years and does an outstanding job. He was given the keys to the club so he could work in peace. Every year he reinvents himself. They sell players, others come in and he always gets it out of them.

Is it true that they resolved their differences?

We met a few days ago, eating, after what happened to me when I left for Seville. I liked it very much. It was an interesting watch. What happened is that the water went away. We are solving this problem. We are two people who have lived together for five years, perhaps the best in the history of the club, and we did not deserve to end like this. It’s better to fix the problems. Life goes on.

What a wonderful team you had:

Yes, extraordinary. It was very easy for us to score goals: Ilicic, Zapata, Muriel, Freuler, Gosens, Castagne… These were people who scored a lot. We all liked it.

How do you see the final against Leverkusen?

The Germans are always very tough. The whole 90 minutes are focused and running. But I see a balanced ending where everyone imposes their own style. Atalanta is not going to change anything. I hope the DEA wins.

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