PAUL POGBA “SHOCKED, HEARTBROKEN” BY LENGTHY BAN FOLLOWING FAILED DOPING TEST

Paul Pogba, a midfielder for Juventus and France, says he would work to clear his name following his four-year doping ban.

A tribunal of Italy’s national anti-doping organization (NADO Italia) temporarily suspended the France international in September following a test result that showed positive for DHEA, a drug that is prohibited and naturally elevates testosterone levels.

With a Juventus contract that expires in June 2026, the 30-year-old Pogba denied any wrongdoing.

“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me,” Pogba said in a statement on Thursday.

“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,” he added, referring to sport’s highest court.

Juventus did not comment but a source confirmed that the club had been notified about the decision of a four-year ban and would assess the next steps.

Due to injuries, the Frenchman had a difficult second spell with the Turin-based team after leaving Manchester United in 2022 on a free transfer.

Due to hamstring and knee problems, as well as knee surgery, the 2018 World Cup winner was unable to play for France in the World Cup in Qatar and only had a limited appearance in the previous season.