Paul Pogba has been handed a four year ban for doping by the Tribunale Nazionale, Italy’s anti-doping agency. The player was found with testosterone in his system above the permitted levels, after the Serie A game against Udinese, which he was only on the bench for.
The Frenchman has endured a nightmare spell after returning to Juventus from Manchester United. The 30-year-old’s first year back was plagued with injuries, and questions are now rising over whether he will retire from football altogether.
Paul Pogba banned from football for 4 years: His response
“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” Paul Pogba said as part of an official statement in response to the verdict.
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| 190 | 34 | 41 | 9 |
“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.”
It now remains to be seen what the European Court for Arbitration of Sports decides over the re appeal. Pogba could be forced to call it quits on his football career prematurely if the ban is upholded by the CAS.
He was one of the most skillful players of his generation, and wowed fans regularly during his first spell with Juventus. That magic never came back, and with the way things are going, fans will always be left wondering what if, when it comes to the 2018 World Cup winner’s career.
