Pogba 'never wanted to break rules' after drugs test suspension

Paul Pogba's representative has told Sky Sports News that he "never wanted to break the rules" after the Juventus midfielder was provisionally suspended for an anti-doping offence.

Pogba has been suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal after returning an adverse sample.

The France international tested positive for testosterone - a hormone that increases athletes' endurance - in a random drugs test following Juventus' Serie A game against Udinese on August 20, when he was an unused substitute.

A statement issued to Sky Sports News from Pogba's representative Rafaela Pimenta said: "We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can't say anything.

"The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules."

After the Italian anti-doping body issued a statement on Monday evening confirming Pogba's suspension, Juventus said the club would now consider "the next procedural steps".

Pending a trial and testing of a backup "B" sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.

The news is another negative note for a player who has been beset by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago.

He was ruled out of France's run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury and played in only six Serie A matches for Juventus last season.

Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.

There has also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists - including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.

It's also another blow to Juventus following a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments. The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being removed by UEFA from European competition this season.