French footballer Paul Pogba has now officially released a statement after being hit with a heavy ban from football for doping.
The Juventus star has been handed a four-year ban from the sport by Italy's Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office.
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The news comes just six months after he tested positive for testosterone in August 2023.
Pogba denied any wrongdoing but the prosecution has since dismissed his claims of accidental consumption of a banned substance.
The sentence comes more than a month after the initial hearing was set to take place on 18 January, only for it to be postponed. Juventus are also said to have been notified of the midfielder's ban.
Pogba is also understood to have refused a plea deal, which would have seen him get a reduced sentence.
The midfielder has now released a statement confirming he will appeal the decision.
"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," his statement reads, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
"I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
"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.
"As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
The 30-year-old has ultimately proved a miserable signing for the Italian giants as a combination of injuries and off-field issues have significantly reduced his playing time since rejoining the Old Lady from Manchester United in July 2022.
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This season, he has made a just two appearances, while he played just 161 minutes of action in the 2022/23 campaign, according to Transfermarkt.
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