'I am shocked and heartbroken'- Paul Pogba releases official statement after being slapped with four-year ban

France and Juventus player Paul Pogba has been banned from the game for four years due to a doping offense. A while back, the Italy National Anti-doping (NADO Italia) decided to impose a provisional suspension as he was tested for testosterone in September last year. Three months later, the tribunal requested a maximum of four years ban.

The same has been done but the Frenchman has spoken against the ban. The FIFA World Cup 2018 winner said that he didn't take any performance enhancers intentionally and would never do the same knowingly.

"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba said.

"I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

"As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.

"As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

The Juventus player has chosen not to make a plea bargain with Italy's anti-doping agency, so the case was tried before the country's anti-doping court. A person with direct knowledge of the case confirmed the verdict to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the sentence was not made public due to Italy's privacy laws.

Paul Pogba gets support from former Manchester United teammate, Bruno Fernandes

Current captain, Bruno Fernandes wrote: “Together bro,” while Harry Maguire said: “PP,” with a love heart emoji. Raphael Varane replied "force," with a love heart emoji while Jadon Sancho also sent a singular heart.

The messages of support continued to come. Former Red Devil Luis Nani said: “You are strong brother keep fighting for your Futbol.”