Paul Pogba was 'tricked' into taking banned substance, ex-France team-mate claims
The saga of Paul Pogba's four-year suspension has taken a shock twist after one of his former team-mates claimed he had been 'tricked' into taking a banned substance
Paul Pogba was ‘tricked’ into taking the banned substance which saw him hit with a four-year ban, according to a former team-mate.
The Juventus midfielder, 30, returned a positive test last year and was subsequently hit with a massive suspension by Italy’s anti-doping body. His legal team insist he accidentally took the substance, DHEA, that triggered the positive test.
Pogba has issued a statement on social media saying he has “never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations”. The ex-Manchester United midfielder intends to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the ban.
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As Pogba fights to prove his innocence, one of his former international team-mates, Rio Mavuba, has sensationally claimed the Frenchman was fooled into taking the illegal substance.
'[I am] in no doubt about Paul’s sincerity and I think he may have been somewhat tricked too,' Mavuba, who won 13 caps for his country, told Telefoot via Get French Football News.
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Meanwhile, current Juve team-mate Adrien Rabiot has thrown his support behind Pogba. The France international said: “We’re talking to Paul. He’s trying to keep his head up even when everything is falling on him. I hope he will come out of this as best he can because having all of this to deal with at once is a lot.”
Meanwhile, former France star Adil Rami reckons Podga could play at the top level again, even if he serves the entirety of the four years. Pamela Anderson’s former boyfriend insisted: “I even think that he is capable of training by himself for four years and coming back. If he does that, it’ll be one of the best stories that a champion is capable of creating.”
Podga himself has pleaded his innocence throughout. Writing on Instagram after the ban was issued, he said: “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.”