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Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri expressed deep regret over Paul Pogba’s four-year ban for doping, stating that “football is losing an extraordinary player” as a consequence of the decision. The ban, confirmed on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the football world.
Pogba, a pivotal midfielder, vowed to appeal against the verdict, asserting he would “never knowingly” dope. Allegri, speaking ahead of Juventus’ Serie A clash against Napoli, reflected on the situation with a heavy heart.
“It’s very sad both on a human level and for football,” Allegri remarked. “We are losing an extraordinary player. I was lucky enough to work with him, coach him, and it’s very difficult to find players like him… he’s a fantastic guy.”
The French midfielder played a crucial role in Juventus’ Serie A triumphs under Allegri’s tutelage in 2015 and 2016 before departing for Manchester United in a then-world record transfer fee of £89 million. Allegri steered Juventus to five consecutive league titles before leaving in 2019, only to return in 2021.
Despite reuniting with Pogba in 2022, Allegri and the midfielder failed to replicate their prior success at Juventus. The club, currently second in Serie A, has endured a trophy drought under Allegri’s second tenure.
Pogba’s doping saga unfolded following a random test conducted after Juventus’ first match of the season on August 20. The positive result, confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal, led to a four-year suspension, with the ban set to last until August 2027.
In response to the ban, Pogba voiced his disagreement, indicating his intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Allegri disclosed that he had reached out to the 2018 World Cup winner, expressing support, but refrained from further commentary on the matter due to ongoing legal proceedings.
While Allegri’s sentiments reflect a mix of disappointment and disbelief, the football world awaits the outcome of Pogba’s appeal, hoping for a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport.
