Paul Pogba has maintained his stance that he isn’t a “cheater” but admitted to unintentionally taking performance-enhancement substances.
Pogba expressed that he is a well-known footballer, and even when the doping saga occurred, many defended him, indicating that such can’t be associated with the former Manchester United man.
Paul Pogba added that he is an “honest” person, and if he had taken performance-aiding supplements on purpose, he would say it.
The 31-year-old also said that he very much loves football, but he likes to win fairly, while also noting that “he is a bad loser”.
Paul Pogba Opens Up On His Ban From Football
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Pogba opened up on his ban from football, saying:
“I am an honest person and I would say it. At the end, I would say it, ‘yes I did because I felt like I need it’, and that’s not the case. This is not me. I am not a cheater.
He added: “I am someone who loves my sport, I love the game and I would never ever. I don’t like to cheat.
“I like to win fairly and people know that. You see it. You see me, I am someone who is a bad loser, but I am not a cheater. That’s for sure.”
Paul Pogba’s Future?
In a separate interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paul Pogba shared that he is ready to take a pay cut to remain at Juventus.
He said: “I’m willing to take a salary cut to stay at Juventus. I’m just thinking about training and playing for Juventus.
“It’s not me that needs to speak, the pitch will do the talking and Thiago Motta will judge with his eyes”.
Pogba has been linked with several clubs in recent months, including; Olympique Marseille and Barcelona.
Paul Pogba Doping Ban
Paul Pogba was banned from football for 4 years in February 2024 by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal due to elevated testosterone levels found in his system.
Tests were conducted on the Frenchman following a Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese in August 2023 and he was suspended from football in September 2023 after results came out positive.
The positive test was confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal in a second sample in October 2023.
Following an appeal against the ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the reduction of his ban to 18 months on October 4, 2024, acknowledging that his consumption of the banned substance was unintentional.
Pogba’s Parents
Paul Pogba was born on March 15, 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, to mother Yeo Pogba, and father Fassou Antoine Pogba.
Paul Pogba’s Siblings
Pogba has two older siblings – Florentin Pogba and Mathias Pogba, who are also footballers, with the former currently playing for Belgium side R.E. Virton, while the latter is without a club.
Paul Pogba’s Wife?
Paul Pogba got married to wife Zulay in 2019, having initially met when the footballer traveled to Los Angeles for an International Champions Cup tournament for the Red Devils in 2017.
Zulay Pogba was subsequently seen at several Manchester United games, with the Bolivian damsel also traveling to Russia with Paul to watch him lift the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Reports indicate that Zulay converted from Christianity to Islam after getting married to the Frenchman.
Paul Pogba Children?
The 31-year-old shares 3 children with his wife, Zulay Pogba, with the pair welcoming their first son, Labile Shakur Pogba, on January 3, 2019.
Their second son, Keyaan Zaahid Pogba, was born in 2020, while their third son, whose name is unknown, was born on May 23, 2023.
Paul Pogba Salary
Based on reported contractual details, the 31-year-old earns about €180, 000 per week at Juventus, although conflicting reports claim he is currently paid just around €800 per week due to the doping ban.
His Career Stats?
He has made 423 appearances across all competitions, scoring 73 goals and providing 89 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Paul Pogba has made 91 appearances for France, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists.
Paul Pogba’s Net Worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between the region of €120 million – €125 million.
Achievements
Paul Pogba has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 FIFA World Cup, 1 UEFA Europa League, and 4 Serie A titles.
Individually, Pogba was given the Golden Boy award in 2013 for his remarkable display with Juventus and France.
The 31-year-old has also won several other top individual awards, including; the 2014 FIFA World Cup Young Player Award and the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award.
