Paul Pogba, the embattled French midfielder, has openly criticized his former club, Juventus, for what he described as a complete lack of support during his lengthy doping ban. In an emotional interview with Sept à Huit on TF1, Pogba revealed the emotional toll of the suspension and the club’s alleged failure to stand by him during the most challenging period of his career.
The 32-year-old footballer claimed he felt completely isolated and abandoned by Juventus following the announcement of his doping suspension in 2023. Pogba tested positive for a banned substance after Juventus’ Serie A fixture against Udinese, a match in which he did not even feature. Initially handed a four-year ban, the ruling was later reduced to an 18-month suspension.
During the interview, Pogba expressed frustration and confusion over the treatment he received from Juventus, especially as he sought assistance to maintain his fitness and mental well-being during the ban. “I asked Juventus for help, but I wasn’t given it,” Pogba said. “I asked to get a fitness coach, as I was still part of the team. I had the right to get it. Let’s say Juventus didn’t support me, and that struck with me.”
Pogba went on to share how he struggled emotionally and mentally while facing the consequences of the doping ban. He explained how the sight of Juventus’ stadium and training ground during his daily routine became a painful reminder of his forced absence from the sport. “I didn’t understand why. I thought I was at war with anti-doping authorities, not Juventus,” he added. “I couldn’t keep taking my kids to school every day, passing by the stadium and the training centre, and knowing I wouldn’t be able to play for a long time.”
Juventus officially terminated Pogba’s contract in November 2024, ending a turbulent second stint with the Italian giants. Now a free agent, Pogba has been working on a comeback and is reportedly close to finalizing a two-year deal with Ligue 1 club Monaco.
“I’m mentally and physically ready, and I’m eager to start again. I’m 32, but I still feel like a kid,” Pogba shared, expressing optimism about the next chapter of his football journey.
Over the course of his career with Juventus, Pogba made a total of 132 appearances across two spells. His first stint, from 2012 to 2016, was particularly successful as he featured in 178 matches, scored 34 goals, and helped the club secure four consecutive Serie A titles.