Despite an 18-month suspension handed down by the FIM, Andrea Iannone is determined not to give up his career in MotoGP. " It could have been worse ", he admitted, while his lawyer announced that he would appeal in April, hoping for a quick decision. And the Aprilia rider slammed the rumor by declaring “There are a lot of people who talk bad about someone and base their conclusions on nothing. »
In a first statement, the Italian had already announced that he would not give up because his thesis of involuntary intake of drostanolone, an anabolic and androgenic steroid, through food had been recognized: “Being innocently convicted doesn’t make me happy. For the first time in history, an athlete is convicted despite being innocent and given an 18-month suspension. I won't give up. This must not happen again. »
Iannone received several supports, including that of the Director of the Aprilia racing department Massimo rivola, as well as Max Biaggi.
Iannone only reaffirmed this attitude on his Instagram account, where he answered selected questions from his community of 1,6 million followers.
“I would never consider throwing in the towel. Never ", he declared bluntly.
“I will continue my routine: Training, nutrition and exercise. I will use this time to cultivate the peace and quiet and lightness that this time brings me. »
“The Maniac” doesn’t want to be influenced by critics. “There are many people who speak badly of someone and base their own conclusions on nothing,” he added. To his fans, he advised never to let these people influence, demean or discourage them. “and you are not being disrespectful. »
“That goes for me too. And I have to say that every person who says something negative is faced with ten wonderful fans who say other wonderful things,” added Iannone.
“Always accept criticism, but never accept someone who speaks out of turn. »
The Aprilia rider is determined. The feeling the motorbike gives him is too special, as he explains with a flowery simile : “Do you know what it’s like to be little and run to your parents after school? It's really not about being fast, because they're waiting for you there, but still, with each second that passes more and more, you seem to lose your breath. Let me tell you a secret: the problem is not how I feel on the bike, but how I feel when I can't race. »
Then Andrea concluded her intervention on social networks:
“We are going through a difficult and painful time. »
“A moment that reminds us how fragile we can be. »
“But at the same time we have the opportunity to show how strong we can be. »
“A force made of solidarity, respect for the rules, love of neighbor. »
“This moment should be an opportunity to reflect. »
“The possibility of finding the other people within us. »
“Forever remember that thinking of others is a precious good. After all, this is the meaning of life. »
Source: Andrea Iannone
Photos © Aprilia Gresini, Vanity Fair, Iannone perso
