Eric Bailly sends clear message to former Manchester United teammate Paul Pogba following ban

Eric Bailly has encouraged Paul Pogba to “stay strong” following his four-year ban for doping offences, and has offered his unwavering support.

Juventus midfielder Pogba has branded Thursday’s decision from the Italian national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) as “incorrect” and plans to appeal. The World Cup winner - who had been provisionally suspended since September - was found to have elevated levels of testosterone during testing in August, results that have now been verified.

A number of former Manchester United teammates have sent in messages of support to Pogba, including Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. Now, former Old Trafford defender Eric Bailly has commented in solidarity with the 30-year-old.

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Taking to Instagram, he posted a photo of himself with Pogba with the caption: “We who love you will always be by your side. Be strong my friend.”

Bailly left United last summer and is now playing for former club Villarreal after having his contract at Besiktas extraordinarily terminated amid prior “poor performance” and “incompatibilities within the team”.

Responding to his doping ban imposed by Nado, Pogba said: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.

“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