France international Paul Pogba has always maintained his innocence after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a compound which promotes the production of hormones in the body, including testosterone.
The former Manchester United star insisted the banned substance showing up in a test was due to a mistake, after taking a supplement in good faith “that I did not triple-check”, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.
Pogba, 31, is able to resume playing for both Juventus, and potentially the France national team from March 2025, after successfully appealing the original four-year suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In his Sky interview, Pogba detailed who provided him with the most strength to keep fighting – amid thoughts of an early retirement – to get to the stage where a comeback is mere months away.
“[Retirement] came to my mind,” Pogba admitted. “As soon as it did, I threw it away, I did not want to think about this.
“My wife was sitting me down and said I will get through this and play again. That pushed me – family was a big part of my mental strength, for sure.
“Obviously, faith in God kept me positive. I took the negative parts away from my family to be a normal person. Life goes on.”
Pogba refutes Wayne Rooney claims
Pogba also cited former teammate Jesse Lingard as one of his biggest supporters, before responding to a prior claim made by their fellow ex-United colleague Wayne Rooney.
“[Lingard] is a close friend of mine,” continued Pogba. “We always connect and always have good energy.
“When we were at United and we were winning, it was never a problem.
“I want to clarify as I heard Wayne Rooney say that we lost a game and me and Jesse were dancing in the changing room.
“You always need a witness, OK? If someone can confirm what Rooney said, I will accept it. If there is not, it is not true.
“Lingard never confirmed that because I am a very bad loser and I respect the club.
“Wayne Rooney, a legend of the club, sitting there and not saying anything. Do you think that matches?”