Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has his sights set on a triumphant return to football, following a significant reduction in his doping ban from four years to 18 months. The 31-year-old, who was provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO Italia) in September 2023 after testing positive for DHEA, a testosterone-boosting substance, is now looking ahead to a return to the pitch in March. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in his favor earlier this month, accepting his appeal that the ingestion of DHEA was unintentional.
Pogba, known for his dynamic midfield play, is not only eager to rejoin Juventus but also harbors aspirations of representing France in the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, he expressed his unwavering determination, stating, “I am ready to return to normal in 2025. I only have one desire, to play football.”
He emphasized his commitment to Juventus, declaring, “The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve.” Pogba’s dedication to the club is evident in his willingness to prioritize playing time over financial gains. “I don’t have to speak, the pitch will speak and then (coach) Thiago Motta will judge with his own eyes, based on what he sees. I’m ready to give up even money to play for Juve again. I want to come back,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the challenging period of his ban, Pogba shared that it was the most difficult moment of his career. “It was a very difficult year and what hurt the most was spending every day outside the stadium and (Juventus’s training centre) Continassa taking my children to school without being able to go inside to train or play for Juventus.” He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from teammates, highlighting the constant encouragement from Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, and others.
With a contract with Juventus extending until June 2026, Pogba’s focus now lies on reclaiming his place in the team and rekindling his stellar performance on the pitch. He is equally determined to regain his spot in Didier Deschamps’ French national squad, aiming to compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“The dream of the World Cup is there, but Deschamps hasn’t opened the doors for anyone. It’s up to me to open them he told me to work,” Pogba remarked, acknowledging the challenge ahead. The midfielder’s determination and resilience, coupled with his passion for the game, suggest a promising future for both club and country.