Yeray returns from doping ban, dedicates comeback to supporters | OneFootball

Yeray Álvarez returned from a doping ban as a starter in Getafe, ending 10 and a half months out. Despite a heavy defeat, he said he was happy to be back and dedicated the moment to those who stood by him.

According to El Correo, Ernesto Valverde restored the centre-back straight to the XI at the same ground where he last played on 15 May. It was his first available match and a show of trust.

He spoke emotionally afterwards, describing complicated months away from the life he has known for a decade. He accepted the opponents were better and said the immediate priority is reaching 42 points. He credited family, team-mates and friends for their support.

In his final outing before the sanction he started and captained the side, then waited almost 11 months to step back on the pitch. During his absence he missed 43 official games, 29 in the league, 8 in the Champions League, 1 Supercopa and 5 in the Copa. He has previously overcome two battles with cancer.

He says the positive test stemmed from mistakenly taking his partner’s alopecia medication without checking it contained a banned substance. UEFA said he should have verified the drug before taking it, handing him eight months away from Lezama and a further two unable to play.

Valverde said before kick-off that everyone was eager to have him back, that nine matches remain and he is in good physical shape. Barred from Lezama until February, Yeray first worked briefly with Derio of Iker Muniain, then trained privately with a fitness coach at a Deusto gym where he is a member. The coach added that sharpness comes from playing.

Source: El Correo