Pogba: 'Finally the nightmare is over'

Paul Pogba's punishment was reduced from a four-year ban to only an 18-month suspension. The French midfielder had previously been charged with doping and suspended while being under investigation at the same time. It ended last February, and the decision was ruthless - a four-year suspension. However, seven months later, the verdict was changed, and the punishment was reduced to only 18 months, meaning that Pogba would be able to play already in March 2025. As expected, the Frenchman was thrilled.

"Finally the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again. I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes. I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation. This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch," Pogba wrote in a statement he issued on Friday.

Nevertheless, "the nightmare," as the 31-year-old called it, is over, but his situation is far from clear. Namely, he will undoubtedly return to the pitch. The only question is in which jersey. Namely, Pogba is still under contract with Juventus, expiring in 2026, according to which he should annually earn €8 million. However, after the doping scandal, his salary was reduced to a minimum of €2,000.

Unlike Nicolo Fagioli, who had also been suspended - only for violating betting rules - Pogba got no support from the Bianconeri, which he did not hide speaking to Sky Sport Italia during the EURO 2024.

"From the last I heard, I am still a Juventus player and I think you'd have to ask them. I have a contract, I have not been able to talk yet to the director or the coach, there is silence… I think they are waiting for the appeal. As for the rest, you'd have to ask them," he said in July.

'Pogba is not finished, Pogba is here!'

Considering the entire situation as well as Juve's attempts to reduce players' salaries, Pogba will hardly play at the Old Lady ever again. After all, Thiago Motta completely renovated his team's midfield, stacking it with quality and talented players like Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khephren Thuram, alongside the "natives" Manuel Locatelli, Weston McKennie, and previously mentioned Fagioli. Is there a place for Pogba? Unlikely...

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 7

Friday

Napoli - Como 3-1 (1-1)

/McTominay 1, Lukaku 53 pen, Neres 86 - Streffeza 43/

Verona - Venezia 2-1 (1-1)

/Tengstendt 9, Joronen 81 - Oristanio 2/

Saturday

Udinese - Lecce 1-0 (0-0)

/Zemura 75/

Atalanta - Genoa 5-1 (1-0)

/Retegui 24, 50, 74, Ederson 60, De Roon 80 - Ekhator 83/

Inter - Torino 3-2 (2-1)

/Thuram 25, 35, 60 - Zapata 36, Vlasic 86 pen/

Sunday

13.30: (1.38) Juventus (4.60) Cagliari (9.00)

16.00: (1.85) Bologna (3.50) Parma (4.40)

16.00: (1.65) Lazio (3.80) Empoli (6.25)

19.00: (4.20) Monza (3.50) Roma (2.00)

21.45: (3.35) Fiorentina (3.50) Milan (2.25)

***odds are subject to change***