France: Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is looking forward to continuing his football career after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lowered his doping ban from four years to 18 months. The 31-year-old player, who was provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Organisation in September 2023 due to a positive test for DHEA, a prohibited substance, voiced his determination to return to the pitch.
Pogba shared his excitement about rejoining Juventus in March 2025. Pogba stated that, “I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player, and I am training to play for Juve.” The midfielder highlighted his willingness to take a pay cut to help the club, as he aims to verify himself on the field. Pogba added that, “The pitch will speak, and then Thiago Motta, the coach will judge based on what he sees.”
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Pogba voiced how difficult it was to be away from the stadium and training centre, stating that, “It was a very difficult year, and what spoiled the most was spending every day outside the stadium.” He also acknowledged the support he received from his teammates, particularly from Juan Cuadrado, who kept his spirits up.
Looking ahead, Pogba has set his sights on making a return to Didier Deschamps’ France squad in time for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Pogba commented that, “The dream of the World Cup is there, but Deschamps hasn’t opened the doors for anyone. It’s up to me to open them.”
Pogba’s current contract with Juventus runs until June 2026 and is valued at $8.68 million(€eight million) per year. However, during his suspension, he is receiving the minimum salary stipulated in the Serie A collective agreement, which is just over $2,170 (€2,000) a month.
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