In a July 2022 incident in Turin, Paul Pogba made a grievous complaint, accusing his own brother, Mathias Pogba, of involvement in an organized extortion scheme against him. Now, the Juventus midfielder has chosen to shed further light on this distressing matter during a recent interview.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the French midfielder addressed the precarious nature of wealth. Pogba candidly remarked, “When there is money, you have to be careful. Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war.”
Pogba went on to divulge that the weight of these issues had led him to contemplate retirement from professional soccer. He admitted, “Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me – not for the fame, not for the money.”
Paul Pogba said that he considered retiring from football due to an alleged organized armed extortion attempt against him which involved his brother. pic.twitter.com/PzB61lNwfn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 11, 2023
In the backdrop of these events, Mathias Pogba faced charges and detention by French prosecutors in 2022, linked to an alleged extortion plot. Subsequently, the former Guinea international secured his release from custody under judicial review back in December.
Paul Pogba’s professional journey took him from Manchester United to Juventus on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract in 2022. However, his return to the Italian club has been marred by a series of debilitating injuries, keeping him sidelined for approximately 54 games and over 400 days.
Paul Pogba suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency after being found positive for a banned substance
In a concerning turn of events amidst his ongoing struggles with injuries at Juventus, Paul Pogba has found himself embroiled in another controversy.
Nado Italia, Italy’s anti-doping agency, announced just yesterday that the renowned midfielder has tested positive for testosterone.
This development has led to Pogba’s immediate suspension from playing for the Italian club. The test was conducted following Juventus’s 3-0 triumph over Udinese in Serie A on August 20. While Pogba did not feature in the match itself, he was present on the bench.
No wonder pogba got so vexed about the doping tests😭 pic.twitter.com/ki33rEIZao
— Joeknowsball (@joeknowstheball) September 11, 2023
Awaiting further confirmation, the initial results have revealed elevated levels of testosterone in Pogba’s system. To ascertain the accuracy of the findings, a second sample is currently undergoing examination. Should the subsequent test corroborate the initial result, Pogba will face the National Anti-Doping Tribunal on doping charges.
A guilty verdict in this matter could result in a suspension ranging from two to four years, posing a dire setback for the French midfielder, who celebrated his 30th birthday in March.
Juventus has officially confirmed Pogba’s suspension, stating that he has been issued a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal.
Prior to this ordeal, Pogba had already contended with a knee injury that forced him to miss the World Cup with the French national team last year. In his two tenures at the Italian club, Pogba has showcased his talents in 190 matches for Juventus, contributing with 34 goals and 41 assists.