Paul Pogba calls out Juventus for lack of support during doping suspension as ex-Man Utd star opens up on 'very hard' period

Paul Pogba has spoken out about how hard he found being banned for doping offences and has criticised Juventus for a lack of support.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Manchester United midfielder was hit with a four-year doping ban in February 2024 while at Juventus but later saw his suspension reduced to 18 months on appeal. Pogba subsequently left Juventus, after his contract was terminated early, and is now set to join Monaco on a free transfer and make his return to competitive action after almost two years out of the game.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Pogba will be hoping for a new start back in France with Monaco as he bids to revive his career. Ahead of the move, Pogba has lifted the lid on his suspension and taken aim at Juventus for what he feels was a lack of support during an extremely difficult time in his career.
WHAT POGBA SAID
Pogba told TF1's Sept à Huit that we wanted to ask Juventus for help such as "treatment or a "trainer" but none were forthcoming. He explained: "I wasn't entitled to that. They weren't really with me. Feeling that, it hit me hard. I didn't understand why. I told myself that I was at war with anti-doping but not with Juve."
The midfielder went on to speak about how hard he found being banned, adding: "I don't understand anything. It was very hard. It was something that was taken away from me when I wasn't ready. The sentence and the way it was handed down... It was a shock. Four years in one go for doping, without explanation and without anyone listening to me. I also had to leave Italy because my children were right next to the training center. I would go with them and I would pass by the stadium every day. I couldn't do that anymore. I couldn't train. It was too hard for me. Not playing football, going with my children, passing by the stadium... My children ask me: 'Dad, when are you going to play? When can we go to the stadium?' I told them soon, even though I knew it was going to be complicated."

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WHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?
Pogba will now hope to put the last few difficult years behind him in Monaco. The 32-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with Adi Hutter's side, who will be playing Champions League football in the 2025-26 campaign.

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