Paul Pogba has confirmed his departure from Juventus as he prepares to make his comeback following a drugs ban.
The French midfielder, initially suspended for four years after testing positive for doping in March 2022, successfully appealed to reduce his ban. Now, he must focus on finding a new club as he resumes his career.
Pogba’s contract with Manchester United expired in 2022, and he chose to return to Juventus, where he had previously enjoyed success. The World Cup winner was hoping to rediscover his peak form with the Serie A club, but his ban has kept him sidelined.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Pogba expressed his deep affection for Juventus and its supporters but confirmed he would be leaving the club. He wrote: “There are times when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. You have given me so much, more than I can express in words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you have given me. You will always be in my heart. Good luck @juventus.”
Juventus also issued a statement, announcing the mutual termination of Pogba’s contract, effective 30 November 2024. The club wished the 31-year-old well for his future endeavors.
Pogba admitted he had contemplated retirement following the lengthy ban but now feels reinvigorated by the prospect of returning to the France national team, with whom he won the 2018 World Cup. He added, “I’m still the same player but with a different hunger. I am more motivated, I will appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me. I realized how important it was for me, I tasted what life is after the career.”
Despite his challenges, Pogba remains determined to reignite his career, which he has shaped through stints at both Manchester United and Juventus. Though he showed glimpses of his potential at Old Trafford, he has yet to fully deliver on the promise he showed during his initial spell in Turin.
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