Paul Pogba has strongly criticised Juventus for failing to stand by him during his doping ban, describing the club’s lack of support as painful and deeply disappointing.
The French midfielder, who was handed a four-year suspension in February 2024, had the ban reduced to 18 months on appeal. He is now preparing to resume his career with AS Monaco.
Pogba, who is of Guinean descent, spoke about the emotional toll of the suspension and how the experience affected both his personal and professional life.
In an interview with TF1’s Sept à Huit, he revealed that the sense of abandonment from Juventus compounded the trauma of the situation.
“I wasn’t entitled to that. They weren’t really with me. Feeling that, it hit me hard. I didn’t understand why. I told myself that I was at war with anti-doping but not with Juve,” Pogba said, suggesting that the club distanced itself at a time when he needed backing most.
The former Manchester United star described the verdict as a shock, especially given what he sees as a lack of due process.
“Four years in one go for doping, without explanation and without anyone listening to me… It was something that was taken away from me when I wasn’t ready.”
Pogba also spoke about how the situation disrupted his family life in Italy.
“My children ask me: ‘Dad, when are you going to play? When can we go to the stadium?’ I told them soon, even though I knew it was going to be complicated.”
Now looking to revive his career in Ligue 1, Pogba will be hoping to put the saga behind him and return to the pitch with renewed purpose at Monaco.
