Alejandro “Papu” Gomez to join UAE club Forte Virtus

Argentine footballer Alejandro “Papu” Gomez is set to leave Italian football to join Forte Virtus in the United Arab Emirates. Following the termination of his contract with Padova, Gomez has reportedly traveled to Dubai to finalize a move to the UAE First Division League club owned by Maurizio Setti.

The departure marks the end of a turbulent period for the former World Cup winner. His time at Padova was marked by injury struggles, including a significant ankle issue, and a breakdown in relations with the club that led to him being excluded from the squad list. For Padova, the early termination of his contract is expected to result in salary savings of approximately half a million euros.

Gomez’s recent career in Italy included a stint with Monza in Serie A following a two-year doping suspension. He had previously signed with Padova in the summer of 2025 with the intention of returning to high-level competition, but the move to the Emirates appears to be a lifestyle decision involving his family.