French midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken up about his four-year ban on alleged doping, saying that he is ‘heartbroken’ and confirmed he will appeal the decision with sport’s highest legal authority.
The French midfielder Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ first game of the season and was given his punishment by an anti-doping prosecutor’s office in Italy on Thursday.
Pogba’s lawyers had rejected a plea deal and hoped to get their client a lighter sentence after claiming he had accidentally ingested the substance that caused the positive test, DHEA.
However, the prosecution did not believe Pogba’s defence, and he has now been given a ban that could potentially end his career.
French midfielder Paul Pogba said: ‘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.’