‘Sad, shocked and heartbroken’ - Paul Pogba breaks silence on four-year ban that sees football career put in jeopardy as Juventus midfielder vows to appeal ‘incorrect’ verdict

Earlier on Thursday it was announced that the French World Cup winner had been hit with the ban after originally failing his 'Sample B' doping test back in September 2023. The 30-year-old was found to have excess levels of testosterone in his blood at that time. After investigations in which his entourage failed to prove that Pogba had not known what he was putting into his system, the four-year suspension was handed out.

In an Instagram post, the French midfielder spoke out on the ruling shortly after it was made, criticising it as "incorrect" and vowing to appeal. He wrote: "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."

Given that the Frenchman turns 31 next month, there is speculation that this could be the end of his remarkable career. Pogba, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, rejoined Juventus in the summer of 2022 after a disappointing second stint at Manchester United. In August 2016, he had returned to Old Trafford for £89 million ($113m). With 226 appearances in all competitions and 39 goals scored, Pogba helped his former team win the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

However, he has endured a nightmare spell since coming back to Turin, appearing in just 12 games throughout two seasons for the Serie A giants.

The former Manchester United midfielder will have the opportunity to contest the decision made by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal. However, unless the player and his party can present new facts regarding the elevated levels, it is likely that the ban will be upheld, although there is a possibility it could be reduced depending on the defence presented to the prosecutors.