- Safiu Kehinde
Forgotten Chelsea player, Mykhailo Mudryk, has expressed readiness to resume his footballing career after being cleared of the four-year ban slammed against him over doping.
Mudryk was on Friday cleared by the Football Association which resolved his doping case.
The 25-year-old Ukraine international had been out of action since November 2024 when he was provisionally suspended after being tested positive for the use of banned substance meldonium which can increase respiratory capacity and stamina.
He was subsequently given the maximum four-year ban by the FA but appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
The FA lifted the ban yesterday, declaring that Mudryk can return to competition “with immediate effect” after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on his social media handle, the Ukrainian footballer expressed delight with his clearance after 20 months which he labelled the most difficult period of his career.
“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect.
“I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.
“This has been the most difficult period of my career.“ He said.
Mudryk however reiterated his ignorance of the substance abuse, stressing that he never took them intentionally.
“As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.
“My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me.“ He said.
The 25-year-old footballer expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, teammates, and Chelsea fans for their support during his suspension.
He also thanked his legal team as he expressed readiness to progress to the next chapter of his career.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout.
“I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case.
“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch.
Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career”. He said.
According to reports, Mudryk is set to join the rest of the Chelsea squad in Hong Kong for their pre-season tour.
His future at the club however remains unclear with speculations of possible transfer on loan, permanent sales, or reintegration into the team now managed by former Real Madrid player and coach, Xabi Alonso.