The 35-year-old was banned by world football’s governing body Fifa after terbutaline – a drug taken to calm a bronchospasm crisis – was found in his sample, Monza said in a statement.

However, Gomez said on Instagram on Sunday, “I have never used, nor ever had any intention (of) using doping methods.”

“The alleged infringement stems from the presence of terbutaline in my system as a result of accidentally, involuntarily and unintentionally receiving a spoonful of my toddler’s cough syrup by mistake.”

“It should be pointed out, however, that the therapeutic use of terbutaline is permitted for professional athletes and that it does not in any way improve performance in football.”

The test sample was taken in October 2022 when Gomez was playing for La Liga side Sevilla.