Alejandro “Papu” Gomez has officially packed his bags for the United Arab Emirates, bringing a definitive end to his tenure at Calcio Padova after having his contract rescinded, according to reports verified across Italian sports media. The veteran Argentine playmaker was spotted boarding a flight alongside his wife and three children, signaling a permanent departure from the Italian lower-tier side.
An Abrupt Departure for the Veteran Playmaker
Clearing the Books in Italy
The exit comes after months of roster uncertainty for the former Atalanta star, who had been left out of Padova’s official squad list. According to an update shared by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio on X, Gomez signed his contract termination paperwork just hours before departing Italy.
The move frees up significant financial room for the Biancoscudati. Regional outlet Il Mattino di Padova reported that the parting of ways saves the club close to half a million euros in wages and avoids carrying his deal through June.
Aligning Lifestyle and Opportunity
Speculation surrounding a move to the Arabian Peninsula had circulated for months. Previous approaches from the region—where Gomez holds existing real estate investments from his post-Sevilla career—never materialized.
This time, however, a lifestyle choice and a concrete opportunity aligned. Accompanying stories posted on social media by his family confirmed the definitive relocation.
A Growing Italian Colony in the Gulf
Waiting for the attacking midfielder in the UAE is Forte Virtus, a club owned by former Hellas Verona president Maurizio Setti.
The ambitious project has been active in the transfer market, securing deals for several notable names with Italian football pedigree, including former Napoli full-back Mario Rui, Pisa’s Gaetano Vignato, and Palermo’s Niccolò Buttaro. Setti’s management group also targeted another out-of-favor Padova player, Cristian Buonaiuto, who reportedly took time to evaluate the proposal.
Turning the Page on a Quiet Stint
The club turns its immediate attention back to ongoing league commitments, while Gomez settles into his new chapter in the Gulf alongside his family.
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