Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has broken his silence in an interview with L’Equipe. Pogba, who recently had his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), is set to return to the pitch in March 2025. The interview took place at the Parc des Princes during the premiere of the film “Quatre Zeros.”
Reflecting on his reduced ban, Pogba expressed relief: “I was really happy. I hadn’t done anything, so why would they give me four years? I’ll be able to return to what I love most.”
The midfielder also touched on his interactions with French national team coach Didier Deschamps: “Of course we’ve stayed in touch. He’s someone who has always been there, who has always supported me, even before this situation. I’m very grateful to him.”
Pogba views his return as a fresh start: “It’s like I’ve been given another chance, something that was taken away from me has been given back. It’s a new perspective on life. March is tomorrow, it will come quickly. And it’s something I can’t wait to do.”
When asked about rumours linking him to Marseille, sparked by comments from Patrice Evra, Pogba responded: “I take it with a laugh because it’s Uncle Pat, he said it jokingly. I’m still under contract so it’s not credible. The possibility of coming to play in Ligue 1? I’m at a club, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation. Of course, you never know what tomorrow will bring, so never say never.”
Regarding his future with the French national team and the upcoming World Cup, Pogba remained cautious: “My goal is above all to get back in shape because I haven’t played for a long time. It’s really about finding the field again. There are other players in the French team, it’s not because Paul Pogba, who won a World Cup, will return that the others will sit down. There are players who are doing well with their clubs, who are playing well, it will be up to me to come back and play.”
Despite rumours of potential contract termination talks between Juventus and Pogba’s entourage, the player maintains his focus on his current situation: “I have a contract with Juventus, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation.”
