Paul Pogba hits back at retirement rumours as doping ban appeal continues

Paul Pogba has vehemently denied any suggestion of retirement in an explosive interview, declaring he is doing everything he can to return to the pitch.

Last summer, Pogba tested positive for a banned substance known to enhance testosterone levels. This led to a significant four-year suspension earlier this year, although the Juventus midfielder has vowed to appeal what he described as an "incorrect" ruling.

Pogba recently appeared in a video on social media in which he claimed he was "dead" and the idea of Paul Pogba as a footballer "no longer exists", sparking rumours he could be set to retire as a result of his ban.

Speaking to Sky Sports, however, Pogba made it clear his career is not coming to an end.

"If you have seen an interview of me saying that I am retiring and I'm not a footballer, then that's wrong because I'm still here, I'm still positive," he stressed. "There's still a chance to fight this injustice which is what I believe it is. Let's see. Things are hopefully going to get better, I am always positive but let's see.

"That interview, what I would say is that you need to see the whole interview because they put out a part where I hadn’t finished talking yet. Therefore, I have never said I am finished or that Paul Pogba doesn't exist anymore, because Pogba is still here. Today I am here, I am Pogba. I have never said I am finished.

"I still feel like a footballer, I am still training, and these are moments where I have to be positive. I stay positive – there's a desire to return. It's like when I was a kid trying to be a professional. I am training, I am doing everything I can to return to the pitch."

Currently, Pogba is a Juventus player but the Frenchman revealed he has had no communication with the club's senior members regarding his future.

"I am still a Juventus player," he stressed. "I am still contracted to them. I haven't had a chance to speak to the sporting director, nor the coach. I don't know much.

"There's a bit of silence. Maybe they're waiting for the appeal to see what happens. You have to ask them."

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