Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba declared he is "back" after his 18-month suspension from football
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba confirmed he is "back" after his doping ban, meaning the Frenchman is now up for grabs on a free transfer.
Pogba tested positive for a banned substance in September 2023 while playing for Juventus and was provisionally suspended before he also failed his B sample and was banned from football for four years.
That ban was then reduced to 18 months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in late 2024 after a ruling claimed his ingestion of the substance was "not intentional".
The verdict meant Pogba was able to begin training with clubs from Janaury before he could officially start playing for a team in March - with his ban now officially completed.
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On his official Instagram page, Pogba shared a post celebrating Ramadan, using a quote that said: "Delayed, not denied. Even the prophets had to wait."
He then posted a video of himself training on the pitch doing a selection of drills, with the caption: "Someone is back." The 31-year-old also shared posts from others saying, "It's time my brother," "Look who is back" and "Paul Pogba loading".
Pogba will now be stepping up his efforts to find a new club - with Manchester United linked with a sensational return for their ex-player. He started his career at Old Trafford before leaving for Juventus in 2012 and then returned in 2016 for a club-record £89million, but struggled for consistency after 226 appearances.
Pogba celebrated the completion of his ban with a post showing him training on Instagram
Pogba celebrated the completion of his ban with a post showing him training on Instagram
Club legend Dwight Yorke urged United to give him another chance, claiming he would add quality to the midfield amid the team's struggles this season.
Yorke said: "I would give Paul Pogba a third chance, definitely, because of what United currently have and because of what we know he is capable of producing. I would say, 'let’s have a look'. Give him a contract. You’ve got time here to prove yourself.
"You can come and play and help us out with the situation. I’m sure Pogba would be very keen. Maybe he might want a long-term deal because of the security.
"I can see why his name has been mentioned because United have struggled, and Pogba is a damn good player. Even though he’s 31, I think he’s far better than what we have now. And if you’re going to get a player for free, who’s far better than all our players in midfield, then you do it."
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