13 September 2023 , 14:51
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Paul Pogba has reportedly admitted to taking nutritional supplements but was 'unaware' that they contained testosterone ahead of his positive doping test last month.
It was confirmed this week that the former Manchester United star, who returned to the Italian giants in the summer of 2022, had been suspended after being subjected to a test following Juventus' game at Udinese on August 20. Despite remaining on the bench throughout the Serie A clash, the midfielder was chosen at random by doping officers.
Pogba, 30, is still awaiting the outcome of a B sample, but there is not expected to be any inconsistencies following the A sample result. If found guilty, the 2018 World Cup winner could face a maximum ban of four years, and potentially the end of his professional career.
Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta broke her silence on the situation on Tuesday. In a released statement, she said: "We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can't say anything. The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules."
And now ESPN are reporting that the player has told Juve bosses that the food supplements were prescribed to him by a friend who works as a doctor, and is based in Miami. The supplements were said to be obtainable in American but not in Italy.
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The report claimed Pogba said he didn't know the supplements contained testosterone, but did acknowledge his error of judgement. The club were not informed about him purchasing the product and nor did he seek the permission from club doctors before taking it.
Pogba's current deal runs until 2026, but Juventus are now likely to explore the possibility of terminating his deal if he is dealt a four-year ban. And it would prove an unsavoury end to what has already been a torrid second spell at the club.
Pogba has made two substitute appearances in Serie A this season (Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Could this be the end of Paul Pogba's career? Comment below.
Having helped Juve to four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia wins first time around, his star had undoubtedly fallen by the time he had returned from United, who he joined for a club record £89 million fee in 2016. Ongoing knee problems meant he did not make his first appearance back with the club until February this year.
And then weeks later, he was dropped from the squad by manager Massimiliano Allegri for disciplinary reasons, after turning up late to a team dinner. That controversy preceded a further muscle injury, ruling him our for a month.
His nightmare campaign was then capped in May when a thigh problem ruled him out of the remainder. But despite being heavily linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League this summer, a move didn't materialise.