Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has released a statement after news broke he has been banned for four years from football.
La Repubblica reported that Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ first game of the season.
He then faced a tribunal in Italy on Thursday morning, where he was given the verdict he didn’t want to hear – a four-year ban from football. Fans were shocked and saddened.
The World Cup winner has now broken his silence on the situation with a statement.
Paul Pogba statement on doping ban
Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester United midfielder wrote:
‘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.’
Paul Pogba to appeal decision
It appears the Frenchman will not just lie down and accept the verdict, but will fight to play football again.
In all honesty – he needs to. Pogba turns 31 in the next month, meaning that the midfielder who used to light up Old Trafford will be nearly 35 by the time the ban has lifted.
Will the former academy star be successful in this? That remains to be seen. More on United in Focus as this story develops.
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