'Pung Woon-ah' Paul Pogba's return to the ground is imminent.
On the 23rd (Korea Standard Time), France's Le Parisien said 'Pogba is scheduled to sign AS Monaco soon' Then 'In recent days, negotiations have focused on the financial sector. It appears that the two sides have agreed to a two-year contract and that Pogba, who is in Saudi interest, has made significant financial sacrifices to complete the deal.
Pogba almost left the ground. He was suspended for four years for doping violations in 2023. In a statement, Pogba was informed of the decision of the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal. I believe the verdict is wrong.'"Everything I have built up in my professional career has disappeared. It's sad, it's shocking, it's heartbreaking." And as a professional player, I did nothing to improve my performance using banned drugs. I have never ignored or deceived my fellow players and supporters of the team I played for," he stressed that he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Pogba's testosterone was detected in a drug test conducted immediately after the opening match of Serie A home in the 2023-2024 season against Udinese on August 20, 2023. Pogba asked to test B samples as well, but the results remained positive. Testosterone, known as a male hormone, improves endurance. It is one of the leading banned drugs designated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The four-year punishment will be applied retroactively from September 2023 when Pogba was suspended after testing positive for testosterone, so he will not be able to play until September 2027, when he turns 34.
Pogba, a Manchester United youth, blossomed at Juventus. When he was put back in Manchester United's arms in August 2016, the transfer fee was 89 million pounds (about 150 billion won). He peaked at the 2018 World Cup in Russia by presenting the trophy to France. In the final against Croatia, he scored the winning goal and emerged as a `national hero.' However, his image has deteriorated due to frequent controversies over his private life. His performance was not very good either. He returned to Juventus in July 2022, but failed to perform properly due to injuries. He was suspended for four years for taking prohibited drugs and fell into the worst crisis.
But there was a twist. A new path to return has been opened. The CAS hearing in October last year drastically reduced the ban on anti-doping, which was predicted to be four years, to 18 months. The situation changed rapidly when CAS ruled that Pogba had accidentally taken the drug, not intentionally.
Juventus said in November last year that it had mutually agreed with Pogba to terminate the contract as of the 30th of this month. Juventus and Pogba's contract was due in June 2026. It will be released as a free agent (FA) from the 1st of next month. Pogba also announced his separation from Juventus through his SNS. Pogba said, `There are many times when things in the world don't go the way we want them to, but I can't forget the bond with the fans.' `You have given me so much beyond words, and I will always keep all the love you have given me.' Then 'You will be in my heart forever. 'Good luck' tagged Juventus with the post.
Pogba resumed training in January 2025. Pogba, who was terminated from his contract with Juventus, received a lot of love calls when he became an FA. Multiple clubs in the Middle East and the United States, as well as Europe, are interested in recruiting. Jesse Lingard drew attention by pointing out Pogba, who played with Manchester United, when asked to select an overseas player he wanted to bring to the K-League. Lingard and Pogba are famous as best friends.
After all, Pogba's choice was AS Monaco. Pogba, who prioritized his return to France, held AS Monaco's hand, leaving behind rumors such as Marseille. Pogba is aiming to play in the European Champions League and the 2026 North-China World Cup. Pogba will soon appear on a French TV, and earlier, he posted on his SNS, 'I think it's time. It was an indication of a return.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
