Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said he considers his four-year ban for doping an “injustice” and vowed to “get back on the pitch” despite suggestions he could retire.
Former France international Pogba has not played since August 2023 and the 31-year-old is awaiting a date for a Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) hearing which could reduce his suspension to two years.
“Pogba isn’t finished,” the former Manchester United player told Sky Italia, via ESPN. “If you haven’t seen an interview of mine in which I say that I’m retiring, it means that it’s not like that, because I still feel like a footballer.
“I want to fight this – for me – injustice. Pogba is here and until you see me say that I’m finished, don’t worry. I have an incredible desire to come back.”
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Pogba ban
Pogba was suspended earlier this year after both of his samples provided in a test returned positive results. He watched France’s 1-0 win over Belgium in the Euro 2024 round of 16 in Dusseldorf on Monday but cannot play for Juve and is working with football and fitness coaches individually.
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The 2018 World Cup winner is said to have been invited to watch Didier Deschamps’ side by the French FA and the head coach, celebrating the win in the dressing room afterwards.
“I feel like a child who wants to be professional,” he said. “I train, I do everything I can to get back on the pitch. The latest news is I’m still a Juve player.
“I have the contract [until 2026] but I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to the director and coach… there’s silence. I think they’re waiting for the outcome of the appeal but you have to ask them.”
Paul Pogba video
A video recently re-emerged of Pogba saying he was “over” and “dead”. The clip was taken by many to be current but was from an interview in 2023.
“I am very happy to see and feel the love of the people,” said Pogba. “I have not been on the pitch for a while, so hearing the people sing my name was really pleasing.
“I still feel like a player, I am training and in these moments I must only be positive. I am spending a lot of time with my family, seeing my kids grow up. I am not doing what I love, which is football, but I am really eager to get back.”
Pogba last played for France in a friendly in March 2022. Les Bleus face Portugal in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (20:00 BST).
