“I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken” – Paul Pogba reacts to four-year football ban

The midfielder has vowed to appeal the verdict before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken out following Thursday’s annoucement that he would be banned for four years after failing anti-doping test.

Earlier on Thursday, it was annouced that the 30-year-old French midfielder has been hit with the ban after originally failing “Sample B” doping test back in September 2023, when he was found to have excess levels of testosterone in his blood. After investigations and failure to prove his innocence by his entourage, he was handed the four-year ban.

The FIFA World Cup 2018 winner spoke out on Instagram shortly after the verdict was annouced, vowing to prove his innocence. Pogba suggested through is post that he may have ingested the substance unknowingly, criticizing the comment as “incorrect”.

“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” he wrote.

“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.”

Pogba, who turns 31 soon, would be hoping his appeal would yield good returns. However, this depends on if Pogba and his party can present new facts regarding the elevated levels to the court.