LIGA - Sevilla FC, Papu Gomez: "Atalanta boss Gasperini tried to hit me"

Signed by Sevilla FC in early 2021, 33-year old Argentinian attacking midfielder and winger Alejandro "Papu" Gomez, interviewed by La Nacion, revealed some shocking ins and outs regarding his departure from Atalanta, nearly his club of a lifetime:

"During a Champions League match I was playing on Atalanta's side, against Midtyjlland, I disobeyed Gasperini. He told me to play on the right winger, while I was doing very well on the left. So I kept on doing what I wanted, knowing he would have taken me out after halftime. What I didn't expect was he tried to hit me. And that's not acceptable, even if I were in the wrong at the start. 

I admitted my malfeasance afterwards, both to the club and to Gasperini. I apologized to everyone, including my teammates, pointing out the team captain, as I was back then, should not behave like I did. But I sensed it was over for me anyway, anything I could have done to make amends. I was disappointed by Atalanta execs' behaviour towards me: we were like family to each other, our children were attending the same schools, and they put me out like I was washed up clothes.

They clearly chose Gasperini over me. I understand he's one of the best football gaffers around Europe, a very important asset for the club, someone who allows the club to gain over handouts. All in all, it was a matter of money. Yes, I was let go out of a matter of cash".