By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he is “sad, shocked and heartbroken” after being banned from football for four years for a doping offence.
Pogba 30, was provisionally suspended in September after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
“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 he would appeal.
Pogba was randomly tested after Juventus’ first match of the season on 20 August.
Pogba said he believed the verdict was “incorrect” and he would “never knowingly or deliberately” dope.
“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.”
The ruling means Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 34, with the ban backdated to the date of the failed test.
In Pogba’s first spell at Juventus, from 2012-16, he made 178 appearances across all competitions and won three league titles, scoring 34 goals, before re-joining United for a the-world record transfer fee of £89.3m.
The 2018 World Cup winner’s return to Turin has been beset by persistent injury problems, which also led to him missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Pogba has played a total of 51 minutes as a substitute this season in games against Bologna and Empoli.
Last season he played 108 minutes over six Serie A games, made three appearances and one assist in the Europa League, and managed 11 minutes in the Coppa Italia – a total of 162 minutes and no goals.