“I’m not a liar.”
Paul Pogba was considering retirement after a four-year ban, but he is now targeting a return to the France squad after seeing his ban reduced to 18 months.
The 31-year-old tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a compound that helps the body produce hormones including testosterone, but is free to play for Juventus from March next year after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration. for sports (CAS).
Pogba sat down for an exclusive interview ahead of his return to the professional game following a reduced sentence Sky Sports News to talk about the moment he learned of the ban, his journey during that time and his plans for the future before he returns to the field.
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Paul Pogba reflects on what level of football he wants to return to after his doping ban and gives a ‘sensible’ answer when asked about Manchester United.
Are you responsible for the ban?
“Of course, that means I’m responsible that I took the supplement and didn’t triple check even though it was from a professional. If I have to be punished, fine, but it should never be four years. will accept 12 months.”
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Pogba spoke to Sky Sports News in a UK TV exclusive
Why did you take the supplement?
“I’ll tell you the whole story, but the easier way is to get the document, it explains everything. That’s the only thing I would say. You get the document with all the answers to your question.”
Is the app accepted for fitness?
“Not at all. It was general stuff that had nothing to do with injury, nothing to do with performance, that’s for sure. It was supplements like you would take. My case was different because it was given by a professional, but it was an error that you can see in the document.
“They saw the truth and saw that I didn’t deserve it (four years).
Can you confirm that you have never taken performance enhancing drugs?
“People know me. When they saw it happen, they knew it wasn’t intentional. This is the complete truth. I am an honest man, I would say that. I’m not a cheater, I’m a man who loves my sport and I love the game, I love to win fairly, but I’m not a cheater.
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Sky Sports chief reporter Kave Solhekol has explained why Pogba’s four-year ban was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal.
What was the moment when you found out about the positive test?
“A shocking moment because I really didn’t know what was causing it. What did I do wrong, I began to think, did I eat something, was I in the shade? This is too much, too much, I was talking to God. asking for help.”
Who helped you during Prohibition?
“I had messages, friends and family. Obviously my wife, I was spending a lot of time with my wife that I wasn’t used to. And my kids, that was the good part because I became a real stay at home dad.
“Seeing them grow every day, I really enjoyed it. It helped me get through each day. Spending time with my family helped me get back on my feet. Some days I was really depressed and wondered what really happened.
“Sometimes you wish it hadn’t happened, but it helped me grow and learn life lessons. I see life differently.”
Have you considered retirement?
“It occurred to me. As soon as it was done, I threw it away, I didn’t want to think about it. My wife sat me down and told me I would get over it and play again. It pushed me. Most of my mental strength was certainly faith in God that kept me positive that I left my family to be a normal person.
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Pogba discusses possible retirement rumors and confirms he wants to return to football
What is expected of Paul Pogba?
“Where would I like to play? On the field. I would love to be on the field. Any pitch. “Juventus” first, I want to train with my teammates. These are difficult trainings. alone is difficult. it goes away on its own. Main focus. Getting back into training and fitness, being on the pitch and doing what I love.”
Will you return to the Premier League?
“First of all, I am under contract at Juventus. I will see what they think and the vision. My vision is to show that I am a football player. The new Paul Pogba with the same qualities. I’m still ready.”
How long will it take to get back to full fitness?
“We will see after training. It’s always hard after being alone. I have to be ready and trained for this moment so that there is not a big gap between the other guys. It will take time, I know. but I always motivate myself, I want to be ready and play.”
What level can you go back to?
“I don’t want to lose the level I’m at. If I can get over it, this is what I want. I’m still the same player, but with a different hunger. I’m more motivated. I’m more hungry. “I will appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me, I realized how important it is to me.
Are you looking forward to returning to the French national team?
“I hope so. It’s definitely on my mind. I have to be ready for it. There are players who deserve to play and I have to win back my place. I’m ready to fight.”
Kylian Mbappe and Pogba in the French national team
Have you ever missed Manchester United during this time?
“I really had so many problems. I didn’t have time to think about Manchester United. I needed to get rid of all my problems and play.
“I watch Manchester United and I still have team-mates there. They are still one of the biggest clubs in the world, but I wasn’t thinking about more things.”
What do you think of them now?
“I will never destroy the club I played with. I respect all the players there and they are doing their best. There is a lot of media about Manchester United and they need time.
Arsenal have had a long time to get back to the top and now they dominate the league with Manchester City and Liverpool. It’s a big club and I believe they will come back one day. The reality is they’re not on top and it’s not today.”
Is there an unfair focus on United and players like Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford?
“Why the criticism? For a game or something else? I think you are in the biggest club in England with a lot of fans. I think they have to say something and all the players you mentioned are talented.
“You win as a team. You never point at one player at Manchester City, but they play as a team, they win as a team. When they don’t play well, that’s a team that doesn’t play well.
“When you lose, you will be criticized.”
What do you think of Sir Alex Ferguson leaving?
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Melissa Reddy explained why Sir Alex Ferguson will leave the position of Manchester United’s world club ambassador.
“Does that change what he has done for the club? The only thing I’m hearing is that he won’t be getting paid anymore. Sir Alex Ferguson will still be Sir Alex Ferguson. He is still in their history and will be forever. The only thing. All I hear is money. He is a legend, Sir Alex Ferguson and always will be at Manchester United.
Do you agree with Jesse Lingard’s claims that you have been misunderstood?
“He is my close friend. We always connect and always have good energy. When we were at United and winning, it was never a problem.
“I want to clarify because I heard Wayne Rooney say that we lost the game and Jesse and I were dancing in the dressing room. You always need a witness, okay? If anyone can confirm what Rooney said, I’ll take it.
Pogba and Jesse Lingard at Manchester United.
“If there isn’t, it’s not true. Lingard never confirmed it because I’m a very bad loser and I respect the club. Wayne Rooney, the legend of the club, sits there and says nothing. Do you think it matches? “
Do you think you were the most criticized player in the world?
“One moment, yes. I think the transfer (Manchester United) had a big impact because it was one of the biggest in the world. People were waiting for something. United fans love me. I was alone so I let it go. happened and continued.
“Jose Mourinho and I have not cleared my image. I’m really chill, but you won’t see it on social media. Sometimes criticism doesn’t mean it’s the truth.”
What do you think of Thomas Tuchel becoming the new England manager?
“I don’t think my opinion will matter, but I just know, why not? It happens in other countries. He is a very good coach, so I think the people should be happy.”
