Paul Pogba's representatives break silence after Juventus star hit with provisional anti-doping suspension

Paul Pogba's representatives have broken their silence after the Juventus star was provisionally suspended for an anti-doping offence.

On Monday, Pogba was suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal after returning an adverse sample.

The former Manchester United star tested positive for testosterone in a random drugs test following Juventus' Serie A game against Udinese on August 20.

Pogba didn't even play the game - he was an unused substitute.

The Italian anti-doping body subsequently issued a statement on Monday evening confirming Pogba's suspension, while Juventus said the club would now consider "the next procedural steps".

Pogba now faces a trial and testing of a backup 'B' sample.

Pending a trial by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and testing of a backup "B" sample, Pogba could be hit with a two-year ban if found guilty. Furthermore, said ban could be extended to four years should the tribunal prove that the alleged doping was intentional.

On the matter Rafaela Pimenta, Pogba's representative, told Sky Sports News via a statement: "We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can't say anything.

"The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules."

On Monday it also emerged that the France star had considered retiring from football altogether over alleged extortion and threats from an organised gang, including his brother Mathias.

The midfielder filed a complaint with Italian prosecutors in July last year claiming he was the target of a €13million (£11.1million) blackmail plot.

Mathias Pogba was subsequently detained in September 2022 but released three months later under judicial review. The 33-year-old has vehemently denied all the allegations made against him.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Pogba said: "When there is money you have to be careful. Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war.

"Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, 'I don't want to have money anymore. I just don't want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me - not for the fame, not for the money.'

"Sometimes it's tough. This life, you have to go through it. It will only make me stronger."

Topics: Football, Paul Pogba, France, Juventus

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.