Following his four-year suspension for failing a drug test, Paul Pogba has spoken out.
Pogba, an unutilized substitute, was chosen for a random test in August 2023 following Juventus’ Serie A victory against Udinese, 3-0.
The Frenchman was placed on provisional suspension in September following the discovery of DHEA, a hormone that can elevate testosterone levels and improve an athlete’s endurance, in his system during his first sample.
It was announced early on Thursday that Pogba has been handed a four-year ban.
According to a story published by the Italian news outlet Repubblica Sport, the prosecution did not accept the defense’s account of the chemical being accidentally consumed. The crucial point for Pogba’s attorneys, who turned down the plea agreement.
It was announced early on Thursday that Pogba has been handed a four-year ban.
The Frenchman said in a statement: “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.
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“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.”
Pogba has played for teams like Manchester United and Juventus in his more than 400 club outings to date, scoring 73 goals. In 2018, the midfielder helped France win the World Cup when they triumphed in Russia.
