Paul Pogba has spoken candidly about the emotional toll his doping suspension took on him and how he felt let down by Juventus during that period. The French midfielder, who was handed an 18-month ban after testing positive for DHEA a banned performance-enhancing substance has now shared his side of the story, highlighting the profound impact the incident had on both his mental and physical well-being.
The former World Cup winner was devastated when Juventus terminated his contract in December 2024. His last appearance for the club had come over a year earlier, in a Serie A match against Empoli in September 2023. Despite his dedication and service to the club playing 91 matches and scoring 11 goals during his second spell Pogba says he felt abandoned at a time when he needed the club’s support the most.
In a heartfelt reflection, Pogba admitted that he never anticipated being left to navigate the suspension on his own. He expressed disbelief at how swiftly the club distanced itself from him. “I was shocked. I had to leave Italy. I couldn’t train, and it was too hard for me. The club was not with me, and that hit me hard. I never understood why,” he revealed.
Pogba emphasized that his fight was against the doping allegations, not against Juventus, and he had hoped for solidarity rather than separation. The lack of support from the club made the suspension more challenging, compounding his sense of isolation and uncertainty about the future.
Despite the tough circumstances, Pogba has used the time away from the pitch to focus on his recovery. Now at 32, he says he is mentally and physically prepared to return to top-level football. “I am mentally and physically ready and determined to start again. I am 32 years old, but I still feel like a child,” he said, expressing eagerness to reignite his career.
Pogba is now set to embark on a new chapter, with a two-year deal at AS Monaco reportedly on the verge of being finalized. This move will see him return to French football, where he hopes to make a strong comeback and put the turbulence of the past behind him.
Having spent most of his professional career at Manchester United and Juventus, Monaco will be just the third club in Pogba’s senior football journey. With over 230 appearances and more than 50 assists for Manchester United, alongside his decorated first spell at Juventus, Pogba brings immense experience and resilience to his next team traits forged not only in victory but also in adversity.
