The spouse of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, Zulay, has conveyed a message urging her husband to exhibit resilience following his four-year suspension for testing positive for banned substances.
“Truth will always prevail, my dear King. Stay as strong as you always have been,” the elegant Zulay posted a photo to boost the morale of Paul Pogba after the Italian anti-doping court issued a verdict of suspension against him.
Zulay, a Bolivian model, met Pogba when the midfielder visited Los Angeles to participate in the International Champions Cup with Manchester United in 2017. Zulay subsequently attended some of United’s matches and flew to Russia to support Pogba during the 2018 World Cup while he played for the French national team.
The couple tied the knot in 2019 and has three sons, namely Labile Shakur Pogba, Keyaan Zaahid Pogba, and their newborn third son born in May. Both Pogba and his wife adhere to the Islamic faith.
The Juventus star has been banned from competing since September of the previous year, one month after his sample tested positive for DHEA – a substance that enhances testosterone production. According to the ruling of the Italian court, Pogba’s suspension period will be counted from September of the previous year until September 2027, meaning he cannot return to the field until he is 34 years old.
On his personal page, Pogba posted a lengthy letter expressing his sentiments, including a passage: “I have never done anything unlawful to enhance my performance, and I will appeal the allegations against me. Today I am deeply shocked by that decision, and what I have built in my professional career is at risk of being destroyed.
When I am not legally restricted, the whole story will become clear, but I have never intentionally or knowingly used any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations. Everything will be clarified. As a professional athlete, I respect other athletes as well as those who support me in any team I have played for. Before the results announced today, I will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a substance used to increase testosterone levels, aiding in focus and physical enhancement for athletes during competitions. This substance was found in Pogba’s test sample in October 2023.
Since returning to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022, Pogba’s career has witnessed an unrelenting decline. In fact, he has only played 12 matches for the Bianconeri in the past two seasons and has consistently faced troubles with injuries, now compounded by the suspension.