Paul Pogba finally sets the record straight over ‘doping ban’ in new tell-all interview ahead of return to football

Former Manchester United player Paul Pogba asserts he is not a “cheater” and has accepted responsibility for his doping test failure, which led to a four-year suspension from football. After a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), his ban was shortened to 18 months, allowing him to return to play in March 2025.

In a recent interview before his return, the 31-year-old stated he has “never taken performance-enhancing drugs” and did not do so intentionally. He described himself as an “honest person” and emphasized that he does not cheat.

“I prefer to win fairly,” he told Sky Sports. “I dislike losing, but cheating is not in my nature.” Pogba acknowledged he “didn’t triple check” his supplement intake and accepted responsibility for the positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during the first match of the 2023/24 season.

“I take responsibility for using the supplement, but I didn’t verify it thoroughly—despite it coming from a professional,” he explained. “If punishment is necessary, I can accept that. However, a four-year ban was excessive. I can accept 12 months.”

He insists that the substances he took were not performance-enhancing, describing them as “just supplements for health improvement.” When asked to assure fans of his integrity, the Frenchman said, “Those who know me understand. Even amid the controversy, many said: ‘We know Paul; he would never do that. If he did, it wouldn’t have been intentional.’ This is entirely true. I am an honest person.”

Pogba remains a Juventus player, but speculation surrounds a potential move away from Italy, with links to clubs in Ligue 1 and the United States.