Ban: I am sad, shocked and heartbroken – Full text of Paul Pogba’s speech

Paul Pogba has denied any involvement in doping and has vowed to appeal a reported four-year ban imposed on him.

The former Manchester United star, now playing for Juventus, was provisionally suspended last September following a drugs test that detected elevated levels of testosterone in his system.

The test took place randomly after Juventus’ first Serie A match of the season on August 20, where the Italian giants secured a 3-0 victory against Udinese.

Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal’s ruling entails that the French midfielder will be sidelined from playing until 2027, when he will be 33 years old, with the ban retroactively dated to the time of the failed test.

Pogba promptly took to social media to express his innocence and disagreement with the decision. In a statement, he said: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Anti-doping’s decision and believe the verdict is incorrect.”

“I am saddened, shocked, and heartbroken that everything I have worked for in my professional playing career has been taken away from me,” Pogba continued.

He went on to state, “When I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear. I want to make it clear that I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”

“As a professional athlete, I hold the integrity of the sport in the highest regard. I would never engage in anything to enhance my performance through banned substances, nor have I ever disrespected or cheated fellow athletes or supporters of any team I have played for or against.”

Concluding his statement, Pogba announced his intention to appeal the decision: “As a result of the decision announced today, I will be appealing this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”