As his much-anticipated return to football draws near, Paul Pogba has finally spoken about his future and hinted at potential moves.
The Juventus midfielder, who was initially handed a four-year doping ban, saw his suspension reduced to 18 months, allowing him to play again in March 2025.
A Fresh Start, but Not with Juventus
Despite his contract with Juventus running until 2026, the club has confirmed ongoing discussions with Pogba’s representatives about parting ways.
Both sides are expected to reach a mutual agreement for his departure, possibly opening the door for a new chapter in his career.
Pogba has only managed two appearances for Juventus last season due to his suspension and injuries, with just ten games in total during the 2022-23 campaign.
His absence from the pitch has fueled rumors of a potential transfer, with Marseille recently emerging as a possible destination.
Evra’s Push for a Move to Marseille
Former French international Patrice Evra, a close friend of Pogba, added fuel to the speculation, saying he would personally reach out to Marseille’s sporting director, Medhi Benatia, to advocate for the transfer.
“Pogba wants to play football again, and why not at OM?” Evra said. “I’m going to call Benatia and tell him the door is open.”
However, Pogba was quick to downplay Evra’s comments, explaining that while he appreciated the support, his current focus remains on fulfilling his contract with Juventus.
“I laughed when I heard him,” Pogba told L’Equipe.
“Uncle Pat was joking. I’m still under contract, so it’s not something I’m thinking about right now. But you never know what tomorrow will bring.”
Relieved by the Ban Reduction
Pogba also expressed his relief at having his ban reduced, emphasizing how much it means to him to get back to football.
“I was overjoyed when I heard about the reduction,” Pogba said.
“I hadn’t done anything wrong, so why was I facing four years? Now, I can return to doing what I love most. It feels like I’ve been given a second chance.”
With his suspension ending in March and permission to start training again in January, Pogba’s focus is on the future.
He sees this as an opportunity to start fresh, saying, “March is right around the corner, and I can’t wait.”
The Doping Case: What Happened?
Pogba’s appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) centered around the accidental ingestion of DHEA, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Though DHEA increases testosterone levels, the CAS ruling acknowledged that the substance primarily affects females, not males.
This distinction played a critical role in reducing Pogba’s suspension.
While the ruling brings Pogba closer to his return, the details of how he’ll reintegrate into football and where his career will take him next remain to be seen.
Will it be with Marseille, another club, or will Juventus find a way to keep him in Turin? Fans will have to wait and see.
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