Juventus tears Pogba's contract after ban reduction

Juventus ends Paul Pogba's contract amid an 18-month ban. The French star eyes a return in 2024. What's next for the World Cup-winning midfielder?

Paul Pogba's contract at Juventus has been terminated following his football ban but, the Frenchman believes he still has a chance in the game. (Photo credit: EuroSport)

Following a host of challenges, including an 18-month football ban, Juventus has announced the termination of Paul Pogba’s contract, effective November 30th.

The Frenchman rejoined the club as a free agent after leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2022 but barely made an impact, with his last game for them coming on the 3^rd of September last year after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance.

Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban but had his ban reduced to 18 months following an appeal, and the court of arbitration for sports confirmed he can return to the pitch by March next year, but the Frenchman said he was already considering retirement.

"The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future," the Turin club said in a statement where they announced the mutual termination of Pogba’s contract. Despite his high expectations, injuries limited him to just 8 appearances prior to his ban.

"My time at Juventus has come to an end," Pogba said in his own statement. "It has been a privilege to pull on the bianconeri shirt and to share so many special moments together.

"I cherish the memories we made. They live on. Even in the most difficult moments over the past year, your support was crucial, and I want to thank Juve fans around the world for their compassion. It has been a pleasure to have experienced so many great moments with my teammates over the years, and I wish them every success in the future.

Looking forward to the next chapter of my career and playing with my next club." Pogba believes he still has what it takes to shine on the big stage, and it’s left to be seen which club would gamble on him when he is eligible to play again.

Pogba impressed greatly with Le Bleus at the 2018 World Cup, where the French side emerged victorious; his time at United was blighted by off-field issues and issues with Jose Mourinho. What next for the showman?