Paul Pogba’s career as a footballer might be OVER- Here’s why

Italian prosecutors will attempt to ensure that Paul Pogba will serve a 4-year ban.

Paul Pogba’s career as a footballer might be OVER- Here’s why

Things have not been easy for Paul Pogba ever since he joined Manchester United. (Image via CNN)

Over a decade ago, French midfielder Paul Pogba was released by Manchester United after refusing to sign a contract. Over the next few years, he made himself a household name with consistent performances for Italian giants, Juventus.

Seeing his performances, United repurchased him for a record-breaking £89.3 Million and since then it has been downhill for the midfielder, with the chance of his career now finishing. 

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A string of injuries and poor performances, along with negative criticism by pundits and fans, led Pogba to leave the Red Devils. He returned to Italy to play for Juventus but missed most of the season due to injuries and disciplinary issues. Things got worse when he tested positive for testosterone. 

What happened to Paul Pogba? 

On September 11th, Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juventus played against Udinese. Although he didn’t play in the match, he was selected for an anti-doping test. The 30-year-old requested a second test, but it also came back positive for testosterone-related substances.

Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has only featured 12 times since returning to Juventus (Image via Sky Sports)

Testosterone is a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency as it helps in developing muscle strength and mass. It has been banned in football and its use is seen for performance enhancement. Ever since his positive test was announced, he has not featured in a single match for Juventus. The club has not played any European football due to a ban from UEFA for violating Financial Fair Play rules. 

What is the latest development in Paul Pogba’s case?

Now Pogba will be tried by the Italian Anti-doping court as he refused to take a plea bargain. Italian prosecutors will ensure that he has his mandated 4-year ban from football, which is the standard ban given by WADA. If Pogba manages to prove that he accidentally consumed testosterone, his ban could be reduced. However, if he fails to do so then he will be out till 2027.

Paul Pogba
Pogba will return in September 2027, if proven guilty. (Image via The Athletic)

Once a promising young talent, he faced setbacks due to injuries and discipline problems. Now at 30, fitness remains a challenge. Further, a possibility of a 4-year ban looms, and if proven guilty returning to football at 34, an age when most retire would likely mark the end of his career.

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