Paul Pogba has opened up in a recent interview, addressing the doping ban that led to his temporary suspension from football. The former Manchester United star firmly denied any intentional wrongdoing, asserting that he is not a "cheater" and that he never knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs. Initially handed a four-year ban, Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), allowing him to return to the pitch by March 2025.
In the interview, the 31-year-old expressed his regret over the situation, stating, "I’ve never taken performance-enhancing drugs on purpose." He emphasized his integrity, noting, "I’m an honest person, and I don’t believe in cheating."
Speaking with Sky Sports, Pogba explained, "I prefer to win fairly. Losing isn't something I enjoy, but I would never cheat to get ahead." He took full responsibility for the incident, admitting that he didn’t thoroughly check the supplements he was using, which led to a positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) after the first match of the 2023/24 season.
"I take responsibility for using the supplement, but I didn’t verify it properly, even though it came from a professional source," Pogba said. "I understand the need for a penalty, but a four-year ban was extreme. A one-year ban would have been more reasonable."
He clarified that the substances he took were not meant to enhance his performance, but rather to support his overall health. When asked about how his fans have reacted, Pogba responded, "Those who know me well stood by me. They said, 'We know Paul; he wouldn’t do this intentionally.' And that’s the truth—I am an honest person."
Despite remaining under contract with Juventus, rumors have circulated about a potential transfer, with clubs in Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer reportedly expressing interest in the French midfielder.