Former Manchester United star maintains innocence and vows to return stronger after failed doping test.
Paul Pogba has spoken out for the first time since his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months, insisting that he is not a “cheater” and did not knowingly take performance-enhancing drugs. The 31-year-old former Manchester United midfielder, who currently plays for Juventus, will be eligible to return to action in March 2025 following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In an interview with Sky Sports, Pogba took responsibility for the failed doping test but emphasized that it was unintentional. “I’ve never taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I didn’t do it on purpose,” Pogba said. “I like to win fairly. I’m a bad loser, but I’m not a cheater.”
The French international tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance, after the first match of the 2023/24 season. He admitted to not thoroughly checking the supplement he took but remained adamant that it was not performance-enhancing. “I accept responsibility for taking the supplement, but I didn’t triple-check it—even if it came from a professional,” he explained.
Pogba was originally handed a four-year ban, a punishment he felt was excessively harsh. “If I have to be punished, then I’m fine with it. But it should never have been four years. I will accept 12 months,” he added.
As speculation swirls about his future, Pogba has been linked with moves to both Ligue 1 in France and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Despite the setback, he remains focused on his return to football and insists that his fans know the truth about his character: “When you see me, you know me. People know me, and they know I would never cheat.”
Pogba will continue training as he prepares for his comeback in 2025, with many eyes watching to see what the future holds for the French star.
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