Paul Pogba: Man Utd Legend Rio Ferdinand Sends Message to Juventus Star After Doping Ban

• Paul Pogba was banned for four years after a positive second doping test
• He has vowed to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration in Sports
• Rio Ferdinand has a message for the former Manchester United superstar

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has a message for Paul Pogba after his former teammate was handed a four-year ban after his second doping test returned positive results.

Pogba was picked for a random drug test after Juventus played Empoli in September, and the test showed high levels of testosterone, which led to his provisional suspension.

A second test was ordered while he remained suspended, and last month, it also returned a positive result, and he was handed a four-year ban starting from the day of the first test.

Per BBC Sports, his €8 million annual salary in Turin was reduced to about €2,400 per month after his first suspension. He and the club will discuss his next move, which unfortunately can not be held until his appeal is done.

Dani Alves: Record-setting footballer convicted of rape

Football

Ferdinand sends message to Pogba

Former English defender, Ferdinand, has extended a reach to the embattled French star, advising him on what he thinks should be his next step.

“Firstly, you want to know the details behind it. In the media, you comment about stuff, and I think with doping and that, you need to know the details,” Rio said on the FIVE Podcast.

“...I'm not going to jump to 'He's guilty' because I've been here in this position. I know Paul, I played with him and I know him well enough after. I need to hear from him, and then I need to hear some facts.”

Per The Guardian, the English defender can relate to Pogba's ordeal as he was handed an eight-month suspension in 2004 not because he tested positive but for missing a test, and he claimed if it were today, telling the world the truth would be his best move.

Sergio Aguero emotional as his doctor gives him green light for possible return to football

Football

“If I had my time again now and I was Paul Pogba now and I'm innocent, I'm chatting. I'm coming on FIVE, and I'm telling the people, 'This is what happened’,” he said.

If his appeal fails, he will be 34 by the time his ban is over. Some fans have called for him to retire, while others believe a talented player should not go down in this manner.

Pogba breaks silence after doping ban

Sports Brief reported on Pogba's statement after his doping ban was confirmed following positive results from a second test by the Italian anti-doping agency.

The 2018 World Cup winner continued to maintain his innocence and confirmed he would appeal the decision but did not give a time to when he would speak extensively.