July 1st 2024.
Paul Pogba, a former midfielder for Manchester United, was spotted in the stands at France's Euro 2024 last-16 match against Belgium on Monday. This was a rare appearance for Pogba, who is currently serving a four-year ban from football after testing positive for a banned substance nearly 11 months ago.
The 31-year-old had tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone, a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body, including testosterone, following a game for his former team Juventus in August last year. He was suspended in September and after a counter-analysis also came back positive, he was handed a four-year ban by anti-doping prosecutors in Italy. Pogba is planning to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Despite his ban, Pogba was invited by the France Football Federation to attend their Euro 2024 match against Belgium. He was warmly welcomed by France fans at a fan park in Dusseldorf a few hours before the game. Speaking before the match, France head coach Didier Deschamps shared that he still keeps in touch with Pogba, who was a key player in their World Cup-winning squad in 2018.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba's coach Deschamps expressed his support for the midfielder, saying "He's been through a difficult period...I would have taken him to the World Championship if he hadn't been injured. Knowing him, I can't believe he did doping voluntarily. However, there is one positive thing, we are awaiting the appeal from the Tas. I hope he can return to the pitch, he has the mental strength to do so."
Pogba himself also expressed his confidence in France's chances at Euro 2024. In an interview with RMC Sport before the game, he said, "I'm happy to be here, to support my team. It's a very important match. I wish the best to everyone who will be on the pitch. Everyone is excited. We have players of great quality. We know that there is a bit of rivalry during these matches against Belgium. It will be a very good test for both teams and will define the Euro for the France team."
Pogba also mentioned that the coach has chosen determined and hungry players for this competition and that it will be a tough battle. He added, "It's the competition, there is no easy match." Pogba's support for his former teammates and his positive attitude despite his ban shows his dedication and love for the sport.
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