Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has released a statement after he was handed a four-year ban from football.
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On Thursday, it was announced that the Frenchman would be suspended from the sport for four years after he tested positive for an illegal substance in 2023.
Pogba has not featured for Juve since testosterone was found to be in his system after a Serie A match, in which he did not play, against Udinese at the start of the campaign.
The midfielder and his legal team has maintained his innocence since his initial suspension, and argued he never intentionally consumed performance-enhancing drugs.
The 30-year-old has now stated he will appeal the decision, which he has said in a social media post has left him "heartbroken".
"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba wrote on Instagram.
"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.
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"As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
Pogba will be 34 years old when he returns to the sport should his appeal be unsuccessful.
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