By Samuel A. November 15, 2024
Paul Pogba has officially become a free agent, as Juventus have agreed to terminate his current contract at the end of November. The former Manchester United midfielder was initially handed a four year ban in September 2023 for testing positive for using a performance boosting substance, but the ban was then shortened to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The verdict meant that Paul Pogba could return to training in January, with a return to club football possible in March 2025.
The 31 year old posted a message on social media on Friday following his release from the Serie A club: “There are moments 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,” Pogba wrote on Instagram. “You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. You’ll be in my heart, always. Good luck, Juventus.”
Juve also released a statement to confirm Pogba’s contract termination and said that the club “wishes Paul the very best for his professional future”, confirming his release on November 30.
It is not yet clear where Pogba will play his football when he is able to return, but the four time Serie A champion will likely put some high profile clubs across the world on red alert, especially as he has reportedly been spotted training in Miami this week.
Pogba returned to Juve from United on a free transfer in July 2022 and managed just 12 matches in his second spell at the Turin club – playing a total of 213 minutes. He initially left Italy to rejoin Man Utd in an £89 million deal in 2016, he played for Juve between 2012 and 2016 and made 178 appearances. During that spell, Pogba scored 34 goals and produced 40 assists as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
And while at Old Trafford, he played over 220 times and was part of the side that won the UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup double in 2016/17 under Jose Mourinho, before his time at the club started hitting lows after being stripped off the captaincy role.
