Gomez denies doping, says therapeutic use of substance he ingested is allowed

Alejandro Gomez denied on Sunday that he has doped despite being banned for two years for failing a test while playing in Spain.

Monza attacker Gomez, who won the World Cup with Argentina and is also known as 'Papu', was banned on Friday for testing positive for terbutaline in October last year.

"I have never used, nor ever had any intention using doping methods," said Gomez on Instagram.

Gomez, who signed for Monza as a free agent last month, was playing for Sevilla when tested.

He and Monza both claim that he involuntarily ingested the banned substance as part of his son's cough syrup.

"It should be noted that therapeutic use of terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and that in no way does it improve sporting performance," added Gomez.

The 35-year-old added that there could be legal action as he believes that his case was not handled in accordance with regulations.

Gomez has spent most of his career in Italy, most notably at Atalanta, and played twice for Monza before being banned.