Paul Pogba has released an emotional statement following news the midfielder has been banned from football for four years. The 2018 World Cup winner is set to appeal the verdict with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
It’s a decision which looks like it might end the 30-year-old’s football career, with Pogba banned from the sport until 2028. However, the ex-Manchester United man has revealed in a statement that he will contest the ban, while claiming he vows to clear his name.
In response to the ban, Pogba said: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
It comes after Pogba tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ opening game of the season against Serie A outfit Udinese. Pogba’s lawyers suggested the star accidentally ingested the substance which ultimately led to the positive test.
The authorities have ruled against Pogba’s lawyers and handed the footballer a hefty punishment. Pogba isn’t prepared to go down without a fight, having revealed his intentions to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Pogba had originally moved back to former club Juventus in an attempt to rebuild his career following a dismal spell at United. Pogba joined the Premier League side for an an-the-time world record £93.2 million fee, but left Old Trafford just six years after signing on the dotted line.
However, things didn’t work out for him upon his return to Turin. Joining the Serie A giants on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, Pogba penned a four-year contract with Juventus, but has only featured 12 times during his injury-ridden spell. Now, it appears Pogba’s time as a Juventus player – and perhaps even a footballer – is done and dusted, with the 91-cap Frenchman having been banned from the sport.