Former Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa is disappointed with his doping ban, but believes he’ll prove his innocence.
The 27-year-old reacted to the setback in a post on his Instagram story, via FCInterNews.
Barbosa has been handed a two-year ban after being found guilty of attempting to falsify a doping test.
This is a significant blow for a player who has had some ups and downs during his career.
Barbosa has found the most success playing in the Brazilian league. He had initially impressed as a young player for Santos.
Brabosa’s form in that period was enough to earn him a move to Inter.
There were big expectations from the young Brazilian at the Nerazzurri. But he was never really able to realize them.
Barbosa made just ten appearances for Inter across all competitions. He scored just a single goal in the process.
Loans to Benfica and then back to Santos followed.
Eventually, Barbosa made the move to Flamengo. There, the former Inter striker had found his consistency once again.
But now, it is looking like another big bump in the road for Barbosa.
Gabriel Barbosa Reacts To Doping Ban: “I’ll Prove My Innocence”
Barbosa wrote on his Instagram story that “I’ve never attempted to hinder or defraud any tests.”
“I hope everything will be clarified by the supreme court.”
“Throughout my career, I have always followed the rules of the game,” Barbosa writes. “And I’ve never used any prohibited substances.
“I’ve already been subject to dozens of tests. They have always come back negative.”
Of the two-year suspension, Barbosa writes that “I’m disappointed by the outcome of the trial.”
“But I will continue to cooperate with the sporting authorities,” adds the former Inter striker. “Convinced that in the end I will prove my innocence and re-establish the truth.”
“This is a difficult moment for me,” Barbosa admits.
“But I thank everyone for the support you’ve been giving me.”
