By Paul Pogba, the Juventus midfielder, has announced that he will not retire from football despite receiving a four-year doping ban. The French international tested positive for DHEA, a compound that boosts hormone production, including testosterone, in September. This led to his suspension in February, which will last until August 2027, when Pogba will be 34 years old.
In September, Pogba was quoted by Al Jazeera as considering retirement. However, in a recent interview, he expressed his determination to contest the ban, which he views as unjust, and affirmed his plans to return to the sport.
“There’s still a chance to fight this injustice, which is what I believe it is,” Pogba said. “Let’s see. Things are hopefully going to get better. I am always positive, but let’s see. I have never said I am finished, that Paul Pogba doesn’t exist anymore. Because Pogba is still here. Today I’m here. I am Pogba. You have never seen me say that I’m finished.”
Despite the ban, Pogba remains active, continuing his training and spending quality time with his family. “I still feel like a footballer, I’m still training, and these are now moments where I have to be positive. I’m with my family, spending a lot of time with them, watching my kids grow up,” he added.
Regarding his status with Juventus, Pogba stated, “The latest news is I’m still a Juventus player. So you need to speak to them. I am still contracted to them. I haven’t had the chance to speak to them, the sporting director nor the coach. I don’t know much, there’s a bit of silence. Maybe they’re waiting for the appeal to see what happens, but the rest you have to ask them.”
Pogba’s appeal against the ban is ongoing, and he remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
