Massimiliano Allegri expressed deep regret regarding Paul Pogba’s doping ban, stating he is ‘very sorry’ for the situation.
Despite refraining from discussing the ruling, Allegri acknowledged the severity of the matter. Pogba, who received a four-year ban from Italy’s anti-doping court for testing positive for testosterone during his time at Juventus, has expressed intentions to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
However, prospects for overturning the verdict seem dim, as Pogba, approaching 31 next month, failed to present any mitigating circumstances for his failed test.
“Football loses an extraordinary player”, Allegri said at a press conference on the eve of visiting Napoli in Serie A. “I can’t comment on the ruling, I leave that to the bodies responsible for it. Personally I am very sorry for him, because Paul is a very good person.”
The positive result was disclosed in September, originating from a test conducted on August 20 following Juventus’ match against Udinese. Although Pogba didn’t participate in the Serie A fixture, he was present on the bench.