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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Pogba claimed innocence in doping incident</li><li>Insisted that he is an "honest" person</li><li>Hailed his wife for being a pillar of strength</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Paul Pogba insists he's 'not a cheater' but takes blame for doping ban as France & Juventus star reveals motivation from wife Zulay

Serie A

AC Milan

Juventus

<p>The French World Cup-winning midfielder was banned in February this year after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance that can boost testosterone levels, following a drug test after Juventus' first game of the 2023-24 campaign. Initially <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-pogba-juventus-midfielder-doping-ban-reduced-following-appeal/blt5e2f1cac38c2d0c4" target="_blank">handed a four-year ban, Pogba saw his suspension dramatically reduced to 18 months</a> following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Had the ban remained at four years, Pogba would have been unable to return to the pitch until 2027, at which point he would have been 35 years old. However, with the ban now shortened, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-pogba-breaks-silence-future-juventus-comeback-doping-ban/bltaed2eb67a6e4a8af#csbaaf14f731a2924b" target="_blank">Pogba is set to resume training in early 2025</a> and is eligible to return to competitive action in March.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In an interview with <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/paul-pogba-juventus-and-ex-manchester-united-star-says-im-not-a-cheater-but-takes-responsibility-for-failed-doping-test-13234730" target="_blank"><em>Sky Sports</em></a><em>, </em>Pogba refuted claims of intentional doping and claimed that he has "never taken performance-enhancing drugs". However, he believes that he should have been more careful and "took responsibility" for the entire ordeal as he "didn't triple-check".</p><p>"I like to win fairly," he said. "I'm a bad loser, but I'm not a cheater."</p><p>Reflecting on the original punishment, Pogba admitted that the severity of the four-year ban left him contemplating the end of his football career. "It came to my mind that my career might be over," he shared.</p>

WHAT POGBA SAID

<p>Throughout this turbulent period, Pogba credited his wife, Zulay, for helping him maintain his mental strength as she did her best to keep him grounded and motivated during his lowest moments. "My wife told me, 'you're gonna play again' and 'you're gonna get through this'," Pogba revealed. </p><p>Despite the emotional toll of the situation, Pogba admitted that the incident "helped me to grow as a man [and] learn lessons of life".</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>As Pogba works his way back to match fitness, rumours of a potential move to another club have surfaced with Juventus supposedly wanting to cut ties. The Frenchman has been linked with both <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-au/lists/paul-pogba-breaks-silence-future-juventus-comeback-doping-ban/bltaed2eb67a6e4a8af" target="_blank">Marseille</a> and a move to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/where-next-paul-pogba-doping-ban-reduced-injury-riddled-juventus-outcast-saudi-arabia-mls/blt13e38adeb7f477a4" target="_blank">MLS</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?

Paul Pogba insists he's 'not a cheater' but takes blame for doping ban as France & Juventus star reveals motivation from wife Zulay | Goal.com

Paul Pogba has insisted that he is &quot;not a cheater&quot; but took responsibility for his doping ban and revealed how his wife Zulay motivated him.