Paul Pogba recently opened up about his struggles after facing a four-year doping ban, admitting that he considered retiring from football. However, the 31-year-old midfielder successfully appealed the ban, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport reducing it to 18 months earlier this month. This means that Pogba will be able to return to professional football in March 2025.
During an interview with ESPN, Pogba revealed the emotional impact of the original decision, stating, “Yeah, I had many thoughts in my head, I had so many thoughts to even stop playing. You start making the maths in your head. Four years not playing, training – which club is going to want me? Would I be fit?” Despite these doubts, Pogba always believed in his innocence, saying, “I knew I didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.”
Pogba tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance, after a match in August 2023. His last professional appearance was in September 2023 before news of his failed test was revealed. Reflecting on the experience, Pogba acknowledged his mistakes, stating, “At the end of the day, obviously I took responsibility for not double-checking.”
Regarding his club future, Pogba remained elusive, with reports suggesting that Juventus and he are in talks to terminate his contract. This could potentially pave the way for him to sign with a new team ahead of his return in March. Pogba commented on the situation, saying, “Right now I’m with Juventus, so we don’t know really what’s going on.”
🚨🇫🇷 Paul Pogba announces to ESPN: “For sure it’s gonna be a new Pogba. For sure. Even better than before”.
“More hungry and with more determination. I feel like a kid who wants to be a professional again. This is what drives me”. pic.twitter.com/PUHXrVooyY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 16, 2024