Paul Pogba vows to ‘fight the injustice’ of doping ban and ‘get back on the pitch’

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said he considers his four-year doping ban “unfair” and vowed to “return to 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 Sport (CAS) hearing which could reduce his ban to two years.

“Pogba is not finished,” the former Manchester United player told Sky Italia, via ESPN. “If you haven’t seen my interview in which I say I’m quitting, then that’s not the case because I still feel like a footballer.

“I want to fight against this – for me – injustice. Pogba is there and you see me saying I’m done, don’t worry. I have an incredible desire to return.”

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Pogba man

Pogba was suspended earlier this year after both of his samples were submitted for testing and came back with negative results. He watched France win 1-0 over Belgium in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 in Dusseldorf on Monday but is unable to play for Juve and is working with football and fitness coaches individually.

The 2018 World Cup winner was reportedly invited to watch Didier Deschamps’ team by the French FA and head coach, celebrating the win in the dressing room afterwards.

“I feel like a kid who wants to be a professional,” he said. “I’m training, I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field. The latest news is that I am still a Juve player.

“I have a contract [until 2026] but I haven’t had a chance to talk to the director and coach… it’s quiet. I think they are waiting for the outcome of the appeal but you have to ask them.”

Paul Pogba video

A video of Pogba saying he is “finished” and “dead” has recently surfaced. This piece is considered by many to be contemporary but it was from an interview in 2023.

“I am very happy to see and feel the love of the people,” said Pogba. “I haven’t been on the field for a while, so hearing people sing my name made me very happy.

“I still feel like a player, I’m training and in these times I have to be positive. I spend a lot of time with my family, watching my children grow up. I’m not doing what I love, which is football, but I’m very eager to come back.”

Pogba last played for France in a friendly in March 2022. Les Bleus will face Portugal in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (20:00 BST).