Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has publicly stated that he is “not a cheater” but acknowledges his responsibility for the failed doping test that led to an 18-month suspension. The former Manchester United star’s original four-year ban was reduced earlier this month by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled that his ingestion of a banned substance was unintentional.
The 31-year-old was initially suspended in February by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal after elevated testosterone levels were found in his system during a routine test. Testosterone, a hormone that can increase endurance, is on the list of prohibited substances for athletes. Paul Pogba maintains that while he bears some responsibility, the mistake was never intentional.
Acceptance of Responsibility and Reduced Ban
Paul Pogba expressed regret but stood firm in his claim that he is not a cheater. Speaking to Sky Sports, Pogba said, “This is not me, I’m not a cheater. I’m someone that loves my sport, I love the game, and I would never, ever cheat. I like to win fairly. I’m a bad loser but I’m not a cheater.” Despite his stance, Paul Pogba took responsibility for the situation, acknowledging that he should have exercised more caution regarding the supplements he consumed.
Paul Pogba’s ban was initially set at four years, but after a review by CAS, it was reduced to 18 months. The tribunal agreed that the banned substance had not been ingested intentionally. As a result, the suspension, which started on September 11, 2023, will allow Pogba to resume training in January, with eligibility to play in matches beginning in March 2025. Reflecting on the incident, Paul Pogba admitted, “I take some responsibility because I took the supplement. I didn’t triple-check, let’s say it like that, even if it came from a professional.”
Challenges and Limited Appearances Since Returning to Juventus
Paul Pogba rejoined Juventus in July 2022 after his contract with Manchester United expired, marking his second stint with the Italian giants. However, injuries severely limited his playing time. In his first season back, Pogba managed only 12 appearances across all competitions, and he was sidelined after just two matches in the 2023-24 season due to the positive doping test.
Despite these setbacks, Pogba remains optimistic about his future with Juventus. He is under contract with the club until the summer of 2026 and is eager to return to the pitch. “I would just like to be on the pitch, any pitch,” Pogba said. “First it’s with Juventus. I want to be on the training ground with my teammates. It’s tough to be alone, playing passes on to the wall.” His immediate goal is to regain fitness and rejoin his team for training sessions in January 2025.
Renewed Motivation and Desire to Return to the French National Team
The doping ban and time away from football have given Paul Pogba a renewed sense of determination. After being handed the initial four-year ban, Pogba admitted he considered retirement but was encouraged by his wife to stay focused on a return. “I am still the same player with a different hunger, more motivated and more hungry,” Pogba shared. “I will appreciate the game more than before because the game has been taken away from me. I realize how important it is for me.”
Paul Pogba has enjoyed a decorated career, with 423 club appearances across his spells with Juventus and Manchester United. Internationally, Pogba made his debut for the French national team in 2013 and has since earned 91 caps, scoring 11 goals. His last appearance for France came in March 2022, and despite the long absence, Pogba is determined to fight for a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad. “I have to be ready for that,” Paul Pogba said. “The players there deserve to play in the national team, and I have to win my place again. I’m ready to fight.”
Looking Ahead: Pogba’s Future in Football
Pogba remains focused on making a full recovery and returning to top form. His current priority is to train with Juventus once his suspension is lifted in January, but he also has his sights set on international football. With France boasting a talented squad, Pogba knows that competition for a spot in the national team will be fierce, but his desire to represent his country again is clear. “You have to fight for your place,” Pogba said, highlighting his readiness for the challenge.
As Pogba prepares for his return, fans and football pundits alike are eager to see whether the once-dominant midfielder can regain his form and play a crucial role for both Juventus and France in the coming years. The doping controversy may have sidelined him, but it has also fueled a deeper motivation in Pogba, who is determined to write a new chapter in his football career.
