Paul Pogba has broken his silence after Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced a decision on his drugs ban.
The Juventus midfielder was suspended for four years an initial sample taken after a game against Udinese showed DHEA - a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone - was found in his system.
In response to the ban imposed, Pogba denied "knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations" and stressed he would appeal the verdict.
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And the World Cup winner has been successful in his appeal as CAS have reduced his ban down to 18 months.
It means Pogba can start training again with Juventus in January before returning to Thiago Motta's squad in March.
In response to the news, Pogba issued a lengthy statement on the matter and expressed his delight at the decision.
"Finally the nightmare is over," a statement from Pogba read, as per Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail.
"Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.
"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.
"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation.
"This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold.
"Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch."
Pogba had also took to social media to post an egg timer emoji along with a picture of his Adidas boots.
His last appearance for Juve was in September 2023, during a 2-0 win at Empoli.
Pogba's positive result from a B sample was returned in October following random testing after a game against Udinese.
Topics: Juventus, Paul Pogba, Manchester United
Josh Lawless