RIO FERDINAND has advised Paul Pogba to speak out after being hit with a four-year ban for doping.
Pogba returned a positive test for DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, last year and was subsequently banned for four years.
Juventus are considering terminating his contract as the Frenchman will be 34-years-old by the time the ban ends.
Pogba, 30, has released a statement revealing his sadness and heartbreak, claiming the decision to ban him is “incorrect”.
He denies any wrongdoing but Ferdinand feels he still needs to speak to the media directly, suggesting he should appear on a show like his own.
Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast: “If I had my time again and I was Paul Pogba now and I’m innocent, I’m chatting, I’m telling the people this is what happened.
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“I think he needs to speak – whether they think it messes up the court case on not – they have given him a four-year ban, I don’t think it will be two if he appeals because these people will want to make sure they get their amount of blood.
“He has to look after himself here.”
It’s understood Pogba isn’t speaking publicly before the CAS hearing as he wishes to respect the official process.
Ferdinand, 45, was slapped with an eight-month ban from football in 2003 after missing a drugs test.
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He revealed he was told by lawyers not to speak out at the time but he regrets that decision, and told Pogba he needs to hear from him.
The former England star added: “I am well placed to sit here and chat about this because I have been through this.
“I am not going to jump in straight away and say he is guilty as I have been in this position and I know Paul, I need to hear from him and see some facts.
“I was told by my lawyers and the club, let the lawyers deal with it and let it run its course and hope they do the right thing by you.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
