Matteo Rabottini’s former manager at Vini-Fantini, Angelo Citracca, has asked people to help the Italian as he seeks tor return to the peloton following his positive EPO test.

Citracca is now at Southeast and says he would like to have him on the team, but the number of positive tests that team has had may tie his hands behind his back when it comes to hiring the rider.

“It’s sad what has happened to Matteo. We considered legal action against him at first because his case damaged our team at the time and put the future of the team at risk. However we’ve spoken since and he apologised to us a couple of months ago. I wish him all the best, I know he’s a nice guy really but just made a big mistake in a moment of weakness,” Citracca told Cyclingnews.

In La Gazzetta dello Sport recently, Rabottini spoke of the “hell” his life had become, having to sell his bikes to pay his fine, his wife and child leaving him and his family cutting him off, except for his grandfather.

“I know his dad well and hope they can rebuild their relationship. I hope that Matteo can rebuild his life. I don’t know if that’s by making a comeback in some way or finding a job in cycling. I’d would love to help Matteo on a personal level but it’s not easy for a team like mine to sign him after his ban. My hands are tied. I’ve got to think about public opinion, what the media would write and the position of my sponsors. I’ve also got to think about the other riders and staff in the team. I can’t put their futures at risk because they deserve their place in the sport,” Citracca said.