Football

Paul Pogba, the French World Cup winner, has expressed his unwavering desire to return to Juventus despite facing a reduced doping ban. In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba revealed his willingness to sacrifice financial gains for the opportunity to don the Bianconeri jersey once again."I'm ready to give up money to play for Juve again. I want to come back with this club," Pogba declared. "I'm a Juve player, and I'm preparing to play for Juve."Pogba's current contract with Juventus, which expires in June 2026, reportedly earns him eight million euros annually. However, during his suspension, he has been receiving only the minimum salary stipulated in the Serie A collective agreement, amounting to just over €2,000 per month.Despite the financial implications, Pogba remains adamant about his return. "It will be a new Pogba, a hungrier, wiser, and stronger one," he asserted. "I just want to play football. I want to be ready to train and play for Juve. That's all that matters to me right now."Pogba's four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2023. He will be eligible to return to action on March 11, 2024, just days before his 32nd birthday.The midfielder tested positive for testosterone in August 2023 after a match between Juventus and Udinese. He was provisionally suspended in September and subsequently banned for four years by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February 2024.Pogba's representatives have maintained that the testosterone originated from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.Juventus are reportedly considering terminating Pogba's contract despite the reduced ban. However, Pogba remains resolute in his desire to return to the club. "I'm a Juve player, and I'm preparing to play for Juve," he reiterated. "That's all there is at the moment."

French football star Paul Pogba expressed his eagerness to return to the pitch after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months. In an interview with L'Equipe television, Pogba stated that football was "the strawberry cake that was taken out of my mouth."Pogba, who plays for Italian giants Juventus, will be eligible to return to competitive football on March 11, 2024, just days before his 32nd birthday. The 91-time France international tested positive for testosterone in August 2023 after a match between Juventus and Udinese.Initially suspended for four years by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal, Pogba's representatives argued that the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) subsequently reduced the ban to 18 months."The nightmare is over," said Pogba, expressing his relief and anticipation for his return. When asked about a potential move to Ligue 1, where he has never played professionally, Pogba responded with a positive "why not?"Pogba played a pivotal role in France's 2018 World Cup victory in Russia. He also won four Serie A titles during his first stint at Juventus. However, his return to the club in 2022 was marred by injuries and off-field issues, including an alleged extortion attempt involving his brother Mathias.Pogba's return to football will be a welcome boost for Juventus and the French national team. His experience, skill, and leadership will be invaluable as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.

Paul Pogba's Doping Ban Reduced to 18 MonthsFrench midfielder Paul Pogba's four-year ban for doping has been significantly reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision was announced on Friday by a CAS spokesperson, who confirmed that the suspension will take effect from September 11, 2023.Pogba, now 31 years old, tested positive for testosterone in August 2023, leading to his initial four-year ban. However, the CAS has now ruled that the ban should be reduced, citing mitigating circumstances. The reasons for the decision will be released at a later date.The news of Pogba's reduced ban comes as a relief to the player and his supporters. The former Manchester United and Juventus star has been out of action since his positive test, and the 18-month suspension will allow him to return to competitive football sooner than expected.Pogba's ban has been a major talking point in the football world, with many questioning the severity of the initial four-year punishment. The CAS's decision to reduce the ban suggests that they believe there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to Pogba's positive test.It remains to be seen how Pogba will perform upon his return to football. The midfielder has been a key player for both club and country throughout his career, and his absence has been felt by both Manchester United and the French national team.Pogba's reduced ban is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for redemption. The midfielder will now have the opportunity to prove that he is still one of the best players in the world and that he can overcome this setback.

French footballer Paul Pogba's alleged kidnapping and extortion case has taken a significant turn with the indictment of six individuals, including his brother Mathias Pogba. The trial, scheduled to commence soon, stems from a two-year investigation into the high-profile incident that unfolded in 2022.According to Paris prosecutors, five individuals close to Pogba meticulously planned a meeting in the Paris suburbs on March 19, 2022. The meeting culminated in Pogba's kidnapping by two unidentified men who demanded a staggering 13 million euros ($14 million).Mathias Pogba, a former striker himself, was not present at the meeting but is accused of pressuring his younger brother to pay the ransom. Prosecutors allege that Mathias Pogba acted with the same determination as the other suspects in extorting money from Paul Pogba.All six defendants have denied their involvement, claiming they were victims of armed robbers and were assaulted after Paul Pogba refused to pay. However, prosecutors have charged the three childhood friends and two former acquaintances who were present on the night with extortion, illegal restraint, and criminal conspiracy.The investigation was initiated after Paul Pogba filed a complaint with Italian prosecutors, alleging that he was the target of a multi-million-euro blackmail plot. Pogba claimed that his blackmailers threatened to discredit him by falsely accusing him of using a witch doctor to cast a spell on fellow French star Kylian Mbappe.French prosecutors launched a joint investigation in September 2022, involving the anti-gang and central crime units of the French police. During the investigation, Paul Pogba admitted to providing financial assistance to members of the group but later refused to pay seven million euros to three of them in September 2021.In late September 2022, Mathias Pogba posted a series of incriminating videos on social media, accusing his brother of abandoning their family. The videos followed an earlier video in which Mathias Pogba promised to reveal "great revelations" about his brother.During the investigation, Mathias Pogba expressed fear for his safety and that of his family, claiming he had been manipulated by the other suspects. He expressed hope for reconciliation with his younger brother.The trial is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and extortion, as well as the involvement of the six defendants. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the reputation and career of Paul Pogba, one of the most renowned footballers in the world.