Claudio Marchisio admits he's been speaking with former Juventus teammate Paul Pogba.

Pogba has been banned for four years after failing a doping test, with his camp lodging an immediate appeal.

Marchisio confirmed to La Stampa he has since spoken with Pogba:

When you spoke to each other, how did you find him?

"He seemed calm to me and I know that he really wanted to get back on the pitch. Now, however, we have to see what will happen."

What idea did he have?

"If there has been a mistake, it is right that there are certain disqualifications. But I feel very sorry for the boy and for the person."

You know Paul well...

"I'm so sorry because I met him as a boy with incredible qualities: we did a lot together, we won a lot and he himself had an amazing career at Juventus."

In 4 seasons he won 9 trophies, including 4 league titles, and came close to winning the Champions League in 2015. Now his career seems to be at an end...

"I don't know if it will end like this or not. I think he's had some not particularly easy moments in recent years and not only linked to this doping affair. I think of other situations that have involved him and now I just hope that he is well. This is the only thing that matters to me."