Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years after testing positive for illegal substances in October last year, according to La Repubblica.
The 31-year-old tested positive after the Udinese versus Juventus match on August 20 and a lengthy ban was always on the cards.
His defence team rejected any plea deals after insisting he was innocent, but the prosecutor’s office refused to accept the accidental intake angle.
Pogba’s football career could effectively be over after long personal troubles that have hampered one of the most promising careers of the past decade.
The former Manchester United star has battled injury problems that ruled him out for the majority of last season. Even when he returned to action, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri had to manage his workload.
The troubles did not stop on the field and seeped into his personal life. His brother, Mathias, was involved in a public blackmail plot to extort the midfielder in a case still under investigation.
Pogba is left to face the harsh reality of a potentially career-ending consequence. He maintains his innocence and can appeal the verdict, but his future remains uncertain.
This saga marks a significant fall from grace for a player once regarded as a potential Ballon d’Or winner and raises questions about the support systems surrounding high-profile athletes navigating personal and professional struggles.
Juventus have been navigating the season without Pogba but will have to dip into the transfer market to find a replacement for the World Cup winner.
They have been linked with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, but his injury problems will ring alarm bells to any potential suitors.
The Bianconeri have also registered interest in Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. However, La Dea will demand a massive sum for the Dutch talisman.
