Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is set to leave Juventus. The 31-year-old failed a doping test in 2023 and was subsequently handed a four-year suspension from football which looked like it would end his professional playing career.
However, following an appeal, the ban has since been reduced to 18 months, meaning Pogba is free to resume training in January and make his first appearance in March. Despite this, Juventus are expected to terminate his contract – which is set to expire in 2026 – by mutual consent, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Pogba re-joined Juventus from United in July 2022 but endured a difficult first 12 months in Turin before his ban was confirmed, making just 12 appearances across all competitions. Juventus chief executive Maurizio Scanavino said: “I can confirm that we’re in talks with Paul Pogba and his camp to find a solution.”
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Considering Pogba is able to train from January, the Frenchman is expected to join a new club in the winter transfer window even though free transfers can be signed at any point. The World Cup winner has already got potential suitors, with Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille eyeing up a move for the midfielder.
Malick Traore of NCI has reported that Pogba is already in ‘advanced discussions’ over reuniting with former United teammate Mason Greenwood at Marseille, who have started the season in fine fettle. They sit third in Ligue 1 and have picked up 14 points from their opening seven fixtures.
Pogba’s initial sample for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) was taken on the first game of the 2023/24 season following a random test and the verdict was given in October 2023. Pogba has always denied “knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations”.
After a successful appeal, Pogba, who scored 39 times and provided 48 assists in 233 matches for United, issued a statement on the matter – and expressed his delight as he tries to get his career back on track. “Finally the nightmare is over,” a statement from Pogba read.
“Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again. I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.
“I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation.
“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.”
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