Carlos Gurpgei doesn’t believe he’ll be allowed to forget the incident that saw Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for the duration of his career.
Speaking to reporters after Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 at Balaidos with Celta Vigo, Gurpegi publically discussed the Portuguese’s dismissal and the impact on him for the first time.
“I’m not the same 22-year-old who tested positive [nandrolone], I have a family, a daughter and it hurts that they still bring these things up,” Gurpegi said.
“I’m going to have this martyrdom for the rest of my career.
“After what happened with Madrid I’ve felt embraced by my club and my teammates.”
Gurpegi was criticised for his reaction after going head to head with Ronaldo and says he expected the ensuing fallout.
“I knew what was going to happen,” Gurpegi admitted.
“I could have stayed on the floor doing theatre but I didn’t.
“It has been a very difficult week but football is my life and I want to play as long as I can.
“Football has a limit and I’ve surpassed it.”