Denies Marseille rumor
©IMAGO
After significantly reducing his doping ban, Paul Pogba said he was happy to soon be able to do “what I love most” again. In an interview with the French newspaper “L’Équipe”, he described a rumor that he could move from his current employer Juventus to Olympique Marseille as a “joke”.
“My main goal is to get fit again because I haven’t played for so long. That’s right, I want to be on the pitch again,” said Pogba, who has been banned since September 2023 and now until March next year. From January he will be able to train with the Bianconeri again. The 31-year-old midfielder was originally not supposed to be allowed to play until 2027.
His positive doping test was carried out as part of a test after the away game at Udinese Calcio (3-0) on the first matchday of the last Serie A season on August 20th, when Pogba was only sitting on the bench. Therefore, endogenous testosterone was not detected. The result was later confirmed by the B sample. Pogba admitted that he had taken a nutritional supplement whose package leaflet had mentioned performance-enhancing substances.
“I was really happy,” said Pogba about his reaction when he found out about the decision that he would be allowed to play professional football again sooner than expected. “I didn’t do anything, why should they give me four years? I will be able to do what I love most again. It’s like I’ve been given a new chance, I’ve gotten something back that was taken from me. It’s a new perspective on life. March is tomorrow, it will come quickly. And that’s something to look forward to.”
From Juventus to Olympique Marseille? Rumor for Paul Pogba “a joke”
Pogba’s comeback at Juventus is considered unlikely, despite his contract running until 2026. According to consistent media reports, the Italian record champion is working on resolving the working paper with the 2018 world champion. His former teammate in Manchester, Turin and with the French national team, Patrice Evra, then said on French television that he wanted to advise Olympique Marseille to make the transfer.
Pogba said about it: “I perceive it as a joke because he is Uncle Pat. He said it in jest. I’m still under contract, so that’s not credible now anyway. I’m in a club, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation. Of course, you never know what the future will bring, so never say never.” Recently, Pogba has also been linked with a move to the North American MLS.
