Paul Pogba takes full responsibility for failed doping
Pogba could return to football as early as spring next year following the reduction of his ban.
Juventus and former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has spoken out after receiving a four-year ban for a failed doping test, emphatically denying that he ever used performance-enhancing drugs.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 31-year-old French World Cup winner insisted he is not a “cheater” and claimed he had no intention of breaking any rules.
“I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I didn’t do it on purpose,” said Pogba.
“I’m an honest person. I like to win fairly. I’m a bad loser, but I’m not a cheater.”
Pogba was handed the ban in February after testing positive for elevated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance that can increase testosterone.
The failed test occurred following Juventus’ first game of the 2023/24 season in August.
The midfielder admitted he made a mistake by not being thorough enough, saying he “took responsibility” for the failed test, as he “didn’t triple-check” the supplements he was taking.
However, Pogba argued that a four-year ban was excessive and has since successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), reducing the suspension to 18 months.
According to Pogba, the substances he consumed were “just supplements, just normal things to improve health,” and the positive test was a “shocking moment” for him.
Had the original ban stood, Pogba would have been sidelined until 2027, effectively ending his career.
“That thought came to my mind,” he admitted, but he said his wife and family helped him stay mentally strong.
“My wife told me, ‘You’re going to play again and get through this,’ and I believed her.”
Despite the tough circumstances, Pogba said the ordeal has helped him grow.
“It was a really difficult time, but it has helped me become a better man and learn important life lessons.”
Reflecting on his career, Pogba began at Manchester United before leaving for Juventus in 2012, only to return to Old Trafford in 2016 for a second spell.
During his time with United, he made 157 appearances, scoring 29 goals, and winning the Europa League and two League Cups.
He also won four Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and three Italian Super Cups with Juventus.
Pogba could return to football as early as spring next year following the reduction of his ban.
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