Paul Pogba breaks his silence and admits he is ‘sad, shocked and heartbroken’ after being

Paul Pogba has admitted he is ‘heartbroken’ after receiving a four-year ban for doping. 

The 30-year-old tested positive for testosterone after Juventus‘ first game of the season against Udinese, and was given his hefty punishment by an anti-doping prosecutor’s office in Italy on Thursday.

Pogba’s lawyers had rejected a plea deal and hoped to get their client a lighter sentence after claiming he had accidentally ingested the substance that caused the positive test. 

However, the prosecution did not believe Pogba’s defence, and he has now been given a ban that could potentially end his career. Pogba has confirmed his intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

He said: ‘I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.

‘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.’

More to follow.