Juventus star Paul Pogba expressed his profound disappointment regarding the four-year ban imposed on him by the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping of Italy.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Pogba conveyed his heartbreak, stating that the ban, which he deems as ‘incorrect,’ has robbed him of his football legacy.
“I have today been informed of the Tribunal 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,” he wrote on Instagram.
The 2018 World Cup winner indicated that he intends to provide a comprehensive explanation of the events once he is cleared of the legal restrictions.
“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.”
Paul Pogba received a four-year football ban following a doping violation. He was suspended in September 2023 after failing a drug test on the first matchday of the Italian Serie A.
Reports from Corriere dello Sport and Sport Mediaset revealed that Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ season opener against Udinese on August 20.