French International, Paul Pogba has vowed to challenge his four-year ban from football by the anti-doping Tribunal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), maintaining that he was innocent of the accusations and that he had never taken any substance knowingly that comes under the purview of doping.
A “shocked and heartbroken” Paul Pogba pointed out that his career had been left in ruins after being handed a four-year ban for failing a drug test.
Pogba, one of the biggest names in world football and formerly the most expensive player, vowed to appeal the career-ending sanction, saying he had never cheated by taking a banned substance.
The 30-year-old said in a statement which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York that: “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.
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“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.”
Africa Today News, New York reports that it is normal procedure for players to undergo anti-doping tests immediately after matches in most elite European leagues.
Pogba featured against Bologna and Empoli before his test was allegedly confirmed to maintain traces of testosterone.
The former Manchester United midfielder must now produce a counter-analysis of the result.
If Pogba is found guilty, bans for doping in Serie A can carry suspensions from playing lasting between two and four years, leaving the 30-year-old in significant trouble.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has described former AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a ‘harsh leader’.
The Frenchman also admitted that some of his former teammates at Manchester United struggled with Ibrahimovic’s criticism.
Pogba and Ibrahimovic were former teammates during their time together at Manchester United.