Yere: I have never used any banned drugs, I just mistakenly took my girlfriend s anti-hair loss medicine

Recently, Athletic Bilbao central defender Yere, who was suspended for ten months by UEFA, held a press conference, explaining the reason why he mistakenly took banned drugs.

UEFA announced a penalty decision on Yere on Monday, with the Athletic Bilbao centre-back being banned for ten months after being tested for taking banned drugs in a match against Manchester United on May 1. He allegedly took his girlfriend's anti-hair loss medication by mistake. Until then, the entire process was kept confidential, and neither the club nor the players themselves disclosed any information. After the ban comes into effect, Yere can finally explain the situation publicly. He was interviewed by media at a hotel in central Bilbao, explaining in detail the incident. The team coaching staff, teammates, medical team and many senior management staff were present to support him. Yelay will return on April 2, 2026 and resume training on February 2, and he expresses his gratitude for everyone's support.

Yerey said at the press conference: "I was banned from UEFA for ten months because I took banned substances, but I must emphasize that I never realized I was taking banned substances and I never used any medications that improve my athletic performance."

" In 2016, I started chemotherapy (treatment of testicular tumors). It was a difficult period, and hair loss was one of the biggest concerns. After recovery, my oncologist recommended me to use an anti-hair loss medication. Since 2022, I will take a pill every night and spray it once. I have been informing the club's head of medical services Josean Lekue, to ensure everything is compliant. "

"My girlfriend Naia also started a similar treatment in December 2024. A week before the game against Manchester United, I found myself running out of pills. Due to stress and habit, I decided to take my girlfriend's pills and thought they were the same, but I didn't expect her pills to contain banned karenone. "

"First of all, I want to apologize to Athletic Bilbao, fans and teammates. This period is very difficult and many things need to be reconsidered. I want to apologize to everyone because it involves you too. From the beginning I told the club that I will not receive any salary. Since I didn't If you have a job, you should not get a salary."

"We know the usual penalties in this case, and I think a ten-month ban is reasonable. I have accepted the ban and now I need to prepare for the future. I want to thank everyone for the support. When I realized this was a mistake, I became more active. "

Yere also mentioned that his lawyer team is considering whether to appeal. As for the renewal, he said that he has not considered it yet: "The contract will expire in 2026, and it is only two months before I come back. Now I just want to focus on the future and strive to return to the field at its best, and I have been looking forward to this day."