Former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has opened up on the team he could possibly play for next.
The Frenchman is reportedly set to leave Italian giants Juventus once his ban for testing positive for testosterone is over in 2025. He is reportedly now in talks with Juventus in order to find a means to part ways amicably.
Meanwhile, he has been linked with several European top clubs among which is French side Olympique de Marseille.
When asked about the prospect of plying his trade with the French side, Pogba didn’t give a definitive answer, only hinting that anything is possible.
“Marseille? I’m laughing because it’s Uncle Pat. I’m still under contract, so it’s not credible,” Pogba told L’Equipe.
“We don’t know what tomorrow holds, why not play in Ligue 1?”
It remains to be seen what Pogba will make regarding his future as he prepares to return to professional football in 2025.
Paul Pogba doping scandal
Pogba was the subject of a doping scandal back in 2023, when he tested positive for testosterone in a Juventus match against Udinese.
The former World Cup winner was an unused substitute in the game, but was still taken for a drug test. The test revealed elevated levels of testosterone in the player’s system, which led to him being provisionally suspended.
A second test was done in October 2023 by Italy national anti-doping agency which confirmed the player’s positive test. This led the anti-doping prosecutor office to demand a four-year ban for the player.
Pogba insisted he is innocent throughout the entire ordeal, claiming he doesn’t believe the verdict to be correct and is deeply shocked by the allegations. He appealed the sentence at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
And CAS recently announced the reduction of the Frenchman’s initial four-year ban to 18 months, on account that he did not intentionally ingest the substance and was only taking a supplement prescribed to him by a doctor.
Following the CAS statement, it is now confirmed Pogba can resume training and return to his professional football career in January and March 2025, respectively.
Paul links to MLS and Broke Boys Club in Russia
Following the announcement of his reduced ban, the French star has been linked to several teams, including a move to the MLS and a Russian Football club – Broke Boys FC.
The interest from the Russian club is incredibly solid. They had reportedly offered him a contract before the reduction of his ban and again after the CAS judgment. The Frenchman has kindly declined their offer and is strongly linked with a move to the MLS.
Olympique de Marseille interest in Paul Pogba
Following the CAS judgment, French side Olympique de Marseille are also said to be interested in signing the midfielder.
When asked about the possibility of the French side being his next team, Pogba insisted there was nothing with the club and is currently in contract with Juventus. He, however, added that anything was possible but stressed his focus was to return and sort out his situation with Juventus.
Can Pogba revive his career?
Pogba was one of the best midfielders in the world. He was renowned for his versatility in the midfield, effectively combining attacking and defensive play. Notably, injuries eroded his gains, especially during his second spell at Juventus before the doping saga. With his imminent return, he will now face the huge task of reviving his career and being his very best.
