Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways, with the French midfielder officially leaving the club on 30 November.
The 31-year-old, who had been serving a doping suspension, saw his initial four-year ban reduced to 18 months in October. The suspension, which began with his provisional ban in September 2023, will allow Pogba to resume training in January and return to competitive action by March.
This decision marks the end of Pogba’s second spell with Juventus, where he had signed a lucrative deal until June 2026. Before his suspension, he earned £6.9m annually, but his salary was reduced to approximately £2,000 a month as part of an agreement between clubs and the players’ union during his suspension.
In a statement, Juventus expressed their gratitude: “The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.”
Pogba also shared his sentiments, reflecting on his time in Turin:
“It has been a privilege to wear the Bianconeri shirt and share countless special moments. Even during the challenges of the past year, the unwavering support from Juve fans worldwide was a source of strength. I look forward to the next chapter of my career and returning to the pitch with my new club.”
Pogba’s recent seasons have been plagued by injuries and limited playing time. In the 2022-23 season, he managed just 162 minutes across five appearances and only 51 minutes last season before his suspension. However, his reduced ban and departure from Juventus provide an opportunity for a fresh start in January’s transfer window.
The midfielder’s career has been storied but inconsistent. He first rose to prominence at Manchester United before joining Juventus in 2012, where he won four consecutive Serie A titles, including two domestic Doubles. In 2016, Pogba returned to United for a then-world record £89m transfer fee, helping the team win the Europa League and League Cup in his first season.
Pogba also made a significant impact on the international stage, playing a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, including scoring in the final against Croatia.
Now, with 91 caps for France and an illustrious yet tumultuous career behind him, Pogba has the chance to redefine his legacy with a new club in 2024.
SOURCE: BBC
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