French football star and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 30, has released an official statement after being banned for four years due to doping.
Pogba says he is shocked and heartbroken, denies using substances to enhance his performance, promises to appeal decision.
“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,” reads Pogba’s full statement.
Earlier today, the positive test was confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal, leading to his four-year ban. The ruling means Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 34, with the ban backdated to the date of the first failed test.
Pogba had previously been provisionally suspended last September after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
