Paul Pogba is motivated by rage to improve after being banned for doping

 

Paul Pogba, who is motivated by "anger" at his absence, has threatened to return to football "even better" than when he was banned for using a prohibited drug.

After his four-year sentence for using the testosterone-boosting drug DHEA was lowered to 18 months, the 2018 World Cup winner is scheduled to resume his career in March 2025.



"Certainly. "It's going to be a new Pogba," he declared in response to an ESPN question about whether he could still perform at his best after being forced to take a sabbatical from the game. "That is unquestionably true. And in a good way, as I mentioned, with greater zeal and resolve.

"I feel like a young person who has never signed a professional contract and simply wants to be one again. So, this is how I'm angry. That's my motivation. And I'll stop at nothing to return to my previous level, if not beyond it. "Why not?"

After ailments marred his final years at Manchester United and his return to Juventus, Pogba told ESPN that he thought about retirement before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lessened the severity of his ban. He stated that he is keen to show his fitness.

Due to knee, hamstring, and groin issues, Pogba only played 161 minutes in 10 appearances across all competitions in the 2022–2023 season after rejoining the Serie A team in 2022.

The 31-year-old stated, "When you're injured mentally, you probably get injured also physically." "So, one of the most crucial things was to clear everything and surround myself with only positive energy. You're definitely not 18 anymore, so you must act professionally and do the correct thing.

"So you have to take care of yourself and I want to dedicate all this time that I have and for the next year to dedicate on obviously what I love the most and to be at the level I want to be."


Pogba said that after almost having his livelihood abruptly terminated, he is determined to view football in a different manner.

"When they take something from you that you love so much and that's when you appreciate it the most," he stated. "As a result, my perspective on football has completely changed, and I plan to cherish every second of my remaining career.

"I've tested what would happen if you stopped playing at the end of your career because I view [the ban] as a test. I simply want to enjoy it, appreciate it, and let others enjoy it.


In preparation for his anticipated comeback to football in March of next year, Pogba and his group are negotiating a contract termination with Juventus.