Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken out following a four-year suspension from football due to a failed drug test.
On Thursday, Italy’s anti-doping court imposed the maximum penalty under the World Anti-Doping Code on the Frenchman, who tested positive for testosterone.
In September, it was disclosed that Pogba had registered a positive test after Juventus' match against Udinese on 20th August, where he was an unused substitute. A subsequent B sample verified the presence of the substance following the initial positive result.
Despite being offered a plea bargain for a two-year ban by Italy’s anti-doping agency, the 30-year-old opted not to negotiate. Pogba's legal team aimed unsuccessfully to demonstrate that he had accidentally consumed the substance leading to the positive test.
Following the confirmation of the punishment, the former Manchester United midfielder stated his intention to appeal the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“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.”
If Pogba’s appeal is unsuccessful, he would not to return to soccer until he is almost 35, an age at which many soccer players are unable to continue playing at the elite level.
