Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said he is “sad, shocked and heartbroken” after receiving a four-year ban from football for doping.
The 30-year-old France international was provisionally suspended in September after drug tests revealed elevated levels of testosterone in his body.
“Everything I have built in my professional career has been taken away from me,” he said in a statement.
The former Manchester United player added that he intends to appeal.
Pogba underwent random testing after Juventus’ first game of the season on August 20th.
Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal confirmed a second positive test result in October, and the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office ordered a four-year suspension.
Juventus were informed by the anti-doping court on Thursday morning.
Pogba said he believed the verdict was “wrong” and had no intention of doping “knowingly or knowingly”.
“When I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear,” he said.
“As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”
This means Pogba will not be able to play until 2027 when he will be 34, and his suspension will be backdated to the date of his failed test.