Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has declared, “I am not a cheater,” while taking responsibility for the failed doping test that resulted in his suspension.
Earlier this month, Pogba’s initial four-year ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which acknowledged that his consumption of a banned substance was “not intentional.”
The 31-year-old was suspended in February by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) after a drug test revealed elevated levels of testosterone—a hormone that enhances endurance—in his system.
“This is not me, I’m not a cheater,” Pogba told Sky Sports.
“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.”
The reduced ban started from 11 September 2023, with sources close to the Pogba telling BBC Sport that he can resume training in January and will be eligible to play again from March.
“I take some responsibility because I took the supplement, ” Pogba added.
“I didn’t triple check, let’s say it like that, even if it came from a professional. If I have to be punished, I am fine with it, but it should never be four years.”
Paul Pogba rejoined Juventus in July 2022 after his contract with Manchester United expired.
However, injuries limited his appearances, and he played only 12 matches across all competitions during the 2022-23 season. Last season, he managed just two appearances before being sidelined following the positive doping test.
Pogba remains under contract with Juventus until the summer of 2026 and is eager to return to training with the squad once his suspension ends.
“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 with team mates, it’s tough to be alone, playing passes on to the wall.
“My main focus is to get back training, be fit and to be on the pitch doing what I love.
‘More determination and motivation’
Paul Pogba has made 423 club appearances during his two spells at Manchester United and his two stints with Juventus.
Following the initial four-year ban handed to him in February, Pogba contemplated retirement. However, his wife encouraged him to stay focused on making a comeback, motivating him to pursue a return to the game.
“I am still the same player with a different hunger, more motivated and more hungry,” Pogba said.
“I will appreciate the game more than before because the game has been taken away from me. I realise how important it is for me.
“There will definitely be another Paul Pogba but with more determination and motivation to play until the end of my career.”
Pogba made his debut for France in 2013 and has won 91 caps, scoring 11 goals.
His last appearance for Les Bleus came in March 2022 in a friendly against South Africa.
Despite such a lengthy spell out of the game and a plethora of options for France boss Didier Deschamps to choose from, Pogba expressed a desire to return to the international fold.
“I have to be ready for that,” Pogba said.
“The players there deserve to play in the national team and I have to win my place in the national team again. I’m ready to fight, you have to, it’s the competition.”