Paul Pogba reacts to doping ban: what did the Juventus midfield say about his four-year suspension?

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken after being hit with a four-year suspension from soccer after failing a drug test. Earlier on Thursday, Italy’s anti-doping court handed down the maximum punishment under the World Anti-Doping Code to the Frenchman, who was found to have tested positive for DHEA.

Why did Pogba opt not to negotiate a plea bargain?

It was revealed in September Pogba had returned the positive test after Juventus’ match away to Udinese on 20 August, which he was an unused substitute. A B sample confirmed the substance was in his system after his initial test came back positive.

The 30 year old decided not to negotiate a plea bargain for a two-year ban with Italy’s anti-doping agency, with Pogba’s lawyers unsuccessfully hoping to prove he had accidentally ingested the substance that had led to the positive test.

After the punishment was confirmed, the former Manchester United midfielder confirmed his intention to appeal against the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Pogba confirms appeal in doping ban statement

“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.”

If Pogba’s appeal is unsuccessful, he would not to return to soccer until he is almost 35, an age at which many soccer players are unable to continue playing at the elite level.