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The Juventus midfielder is currently serving out a four-year ban for substance abuse
Former Manchester United and current Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken out about the challenges he faces while serving a four-year ban from football.
The 31-year-old France international, sidelined since September 2023 due to a failed doping test, has been vocal about the personal and professional difficulties this situation has caused him.
Pogba opens up on life outside football
Pogba, who has not played a single minute of professional football since the ban was imposed by Italy’s anti-doping agency, expressed the emotional toll of being away from the sport.
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In an interview with Forbes, he shared, "It’s difficult to be totally honest. Football has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, I have my family, my faith, my friends, and my fans who have supported me, which makes things easier. All will be well."
Pogba's contract with Juventus also currently sees him receiving the minimum salary allowed, a stark contrast to his previous status as one of the highest-paid players in the world.
Pogba gives update on appeal
Despite the severity of the situation, Pogba remains hopeful and focused on overturning the ban. He has maintained his innocence, arguing against any intentional wrongdoing in the doping case. His legal team has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Pogba has expressed cautious optimism about the outcome.
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"Although I can’t speak so much about this, all roads lead to the appeal date. Until then, my focus is on staying fit and looking forward to the appeal," Pogba stated. The appeal process is seen as his last hope to shorten the ban, which, if upheld, would keep him out of competitive football until the autumn of 2027.
In addition to starring for Manchester United in the Premier League, Pogba has also played in two separate spells for Juventus and was vital to France winning the World Cup in 2018.
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