PAUL POGBA has been told to “stay strong” after being handed a four-year ban from football.
The 30-year-old was issued with a four-year football suspension on Thursday for a doping offence.
He tested positive for banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, in August 2023 and was handed a provisional ban the following month.
Pogba’s suspension runs from 11 September 2023 – the date he was provisionally banned pending investigation – to 10 September 2027, meaning he will not be allowed to return until he is 34-years-old.
However, in a statement published on Thursday afternoon the midfielder revealed that he plans to appeal the decision.
The statement read: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.
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“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.”
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Pogba’s statement in full
Pogba’s statement read: “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.”
Pogba’s wife, Zulay, has since shared her support on Instagram, writing: “The truth will always prevail my king, stay strong as you always have been.”
Juventus are yet to comment on the situation, but reports claim they are prepared to terminate his contract.
With his future in the game now in doubt, the Frenchman could decide to retire.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
