Paul Pogba has spoken for the first time since his 4-year ban for doping offense. This was in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News in the United Kingdom (UK) on October 17, 2024, where he revealed about his football ban as he closed in on a return to the football game.

The 31-year-old tested positive on August 20, 2023, for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a compound that promoted the production of hormones in the body, including testosterone.

Pogba’s punishment was reduced to 18 months, and thus this will usher him back into the game that he seems to love most come March 2025. Pogba’s ban came to be reduced after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Rome, Italy.

Ahead of his return to play professional football after the punishment was reduced, Pogba talked about the moment he found out the ban, his journey throughout that time, and his plans for the future as he returns to the pitch.

Pogba confirmed that he has never taken any substance to enhance his performance.

“People know me. When they saw it happen, they knew it was not on purpose. This is totally the truth. I am an honest person. I would say it. I am not a cheater; I am someone who loves my sport and loves the game. I don’t like to cheat; I like to win fairly. People know that. I am a bad loser, but I am not a cheater,” he said.

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He affirmed his desire and zeal to play football again and in which team he wishes to return.

“First of all, I am at Juventus under contract; I will see what they are thinking and the vision. My vision is to show I am a footballer. A new Paul Pogba with the same qualities, and I am still ready,” Pogba said.

Pogba’s doping case has put a dark cloud over what was supposed to be his comeback season after battling a series of injuries.