Juventus boss Thiago Motta makes feelings clear about Paul Pogba return after midfielder gets ban reduced

Juventus manager Thiago Motta has addressed Paul Pogba's potential return to the Juventus lineup after his four-year ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Italian tactician stated the club will take a decision about the Frenchman's future.

Pogba failed a drug test in August 2023 after Juventus' Serie A season opener against Udinese. The Frenchman's blood showed elevated levels of testosterone and he was immediately sidelined from playing. He also tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - a banned substance by The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that is used to boost testosterone levels.

According to The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, the Frenchman's four-year ban has been reduced and he can join Juventus training in January 2025. On Saturday (October 5), Juventus boss Thiago Motta spoke about the development in Pogba's case. He said(via Metro):

"The club will assess the situation and make a decision if necessary."

Motta also pointed out that Pogba has been out of action for a long time, adding:

"Paul was a great player but he hasn’t played for a long time. All I’m thinking about is our match tomorrow, nothing else really matters as far as I’m concerned."

According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paul Pogba will not make a comeback for Juventus. The Frenchman's contract - which is supposed to last till 2026 - will be terminated or a mutual agreement will be reached with the midfielder.

The report also claims that Paul Pogba might join Lionel Messi in the MLS to make a fresh start to his footballing career.

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"Finally, the nightmare is over," - Paul Pogba speaks out after reduction of his doping ban

Paul Pogba broke his silence after his four-year doping ban was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In a statement (h/t Fabrizio Romano), the Frenchman opened up about his jubilation about returning to the pitch.

Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again," Paul Pogba said.

Pogba went on to elaborate on his innocence, lauding the Court of Arbitration for Sports for listening to his explanation.

"I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation. This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold," Pogba added.

Finally, the 31-year-old expressed his gratitude to fans for their support during his time off the pitch, saying:

"Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!."

Paul Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. In 190 games for the Italian giants across competitions (across two spells), Pogba has scored 34 goals and laid out 41 assists. He has also won four Serie A titles, two Italian Cups, and three Italian Super Cups during his stay at the club.