Paul Pogba was ‘tricked’ into taking the banned substance which noticed him hit with a four-year ban, in keeping with a former team-mate.
The Juventus midfielder, 30, returned a constructive check final yr and was subsequently hit with a large suspension by Italy’s anti-doping physique. His authorized staff insist he by chance took the substance, DHEA, that triggered the constructive check.
Pogba has issued a press release 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 enchantment with the Court of Arbitration for Sport towards the ban.
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As Pogba fights to show his innocence, one in every of his former worldwide team-mates, Rio Mavuba, has sensationally claimed the Frenchman was fooled into taking the unlawful substance.
‘[I am] in little doubt about Paul’s sincerity and I believe he could have been considerably tricked too,’ Mavuba, who gained 13 caps for his nation, instructed Telefoot by way of Get French Football News.
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Meanwhile, present Juve team-mate Adrien Rabiot has thrown his help behind Pogba. The France worldwide stated: “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 might play on the prime degree once more, even when he serves the whole lot of the 4 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.”
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Podga himself has pleaded his innocence all through. Writing on Instagram after the ban was issued, he stated: “I’m unhappy, shocked and heartbroken that every thing I’ve in-built my skilled taking part in profession has been taken away from me.
“When I’m freed from authorized restrictions the total story will develop into clear, however I’ve by no means knowingly or intentionally taken any dietary supplements that violate anti-doping rules.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”