Andina

Paolo Guerrero: I will never quit Peru's national team

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

17:15 | Lima, May. 18.

Peru's top striker and captain Paolo Guerrero on Friday denied rumors that he would quit the national team in case his legal status does not change.

Via social media, Guerrero announced he will never stop playing for the Inca country. 

"I just saw a fake news story based on rumors (…) I would never rule out the possibility of representing my country," the Predator posted.

"I want to play for my squad!" he added.

Likewise, the 34-year-old sportsman remarked he supports the red-white team to death and urged the media to provide clear information.

"I will continue on the path of truth, proving my innocence," the Peruvian soccer icon concluded.

As is known, Guerrero will miss the upcoming World Cup, as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) increased a ban against him from 6 to 14 months.

Guerrero case

Last December, FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended the striker for one year after analyzing the adverse analytical result of the anti-doping test conducted on him following a Qualifiers match against Argentina in October.

Later, it decided to reduce such suspension to 6 months, which would have allowed the sportsman to join the Inca team that will participate in the 2018 World Cup.

In order to seek acquittal, the player's defense appealed the decision last January.

Yet, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requested the sanction to be extended for up to two years.

Last Monday, CAS decided to increase Guerrero's suspension from 6 to 14 months, thus leaving him out of the sporting mega-event.

President Martin Vizcarra on Wednesday announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support Guerrero. The athlete's defense team will appeal to the Swiss Federal Court to have the doping ban annulled.

Justice Minister Salvador Heresi on Friday affirmed that Mr. Vizcarra's support does not imply government interference in the process.

(END) JSO/JAA/MVB

Published: 5/18/2018