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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 was handed four-year ban</li><li>Suspension reduced after lengthy appeal</li><li>Still searching for a new club</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>

'I would have quit football!' - Paul Pogba reveals doping ban almost led him to retire before suspension was reduced as he continues hunt for new club

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/paul-pogba-counter-analysis-tests-positive-testosterone-juventus-midfielder-threat-lengthy-ban/blt8327f78575cd3089" target="_blank">Pogba was handed an initial four-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance</a> - dehydroepiandrosterone&nbsp;- following Juventus' clash with Udinese in 2023. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-why-paul-pogba-doping-ban-reduced-cas-confirm-four-year-suspension-juventus-ex-man-utd-midfielder-cut-18-months/bltde5a6a37cc2133af#cs2136efd7c84ac6b3" target="_blank">That suspension was reduced</a>, however, after a lengthy appeal process. Now, the former Manchester United midfielder has revealed that considered retirement when the initial suspension was handed out. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Pogba is now eligible to play, but he has yet to sign for a new club <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/paul-pogba-juventus-over-french-midfielder-free-agent-contract-termination-heads-miami-train-next-move/blt236ed8ce0c70635c" target="_blank">after leaving Juventus</a>. He has been linked with a variety of clubs, and has been touted for moves to Saudi Arabia and MLS. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Pogba told <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/if-they-gave-me-4-years-i-would-have-quit-football-paul-pogba-on-doping-ban/" target="_blank">GQ France</a>: "If they'd given me four years, I would have quit football. I didn't want to say it publicly but that's what I was thinking.</p><p>"I didn’t understand. Why? They handed down the maximum sentence. That meant they hadn’t listened to a single thing I’d said.”</p><p>Despite being allowed to play once again, the 32-year-old says he has been left "changed", adding: “I saw what real life is. It worked on me like a full reset. I aged ten years in one go.”</p>

WHAT POGBA SAID

<p>Pogba is weighing his next move, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-pogba-reveals-offers-ex-man-utd-star-prepares-comeback-after-doping-ban/blta3482953abe2e3dc#cs27b53f7d398d6f71" target="_blank">admits he cannot wait to start playing again</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'I would have quit football!' - Paul Pogba reveals doping ban almost led him to retire before suspension was reduced as he continues hunt for new club | Goal.com

Paul Pogba has revealed he would have quit football altogether if his four-year ban for doping had been upheld. 

&apos;I would have quit football!&apos; - Paul Pogba reveals doping ban almost led him to retire before suspension was reduced as he continues hunt for new club