Juventus have confirmed that Paul Pogba's contract has been terminated by mutual consent following the reduction of his doping suspension.
The former Manchester United man was initially banned for four years after tests in late 2023 returned abnormal levels of testosterone, a suspension that could have easily ended his playing career.
However, Pogba was successful with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who slashed his ban to 18 months in October - backdated from when his original punishment began in September 2023 - as the supplement responsible for the non-endogenous testosterone levels had little effect on males.
The 2018 World Cup winner will therefore be free to return to competitive action in March and is allowed to train again from January onwards, but a Juventus comeback was never thought to be on the cards.
Immediately after Pogba's ban was reduced to 18 months, it was reported that Juventus were discussing terminating the midfielder's contract, which was due to expire in the summer of 2026.
Pogba 'cherishes' Juventus memories as termination confirmed
© Imago
On Friday evening, the Bianconeri confirmed that they had reached an agreement with the 31-year-old to terminate his contract, which will take effect from the end of this month.
"Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024," Juve said in a statement on their website. "The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future."
A separate statement from Pogba read: "My time at Juventus has come to an end. It has been a privilege to pull on the shirt of the bianconeri 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 team-mates over the years and I wish them every success in the future. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and to stepping out on the pitch with my next club."
Now a free agent, Pogba leaves Juventus for a second time after making just 12 appearances since rejoining on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, when he ran down his Manchester United contract.
© Imago
Pogba's 2022-23 campaign was hampered by a severe knee injury, which ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup, as well as groin and hamstring problems in the latter stages of the season.
The 31-year-old played just twice for the Old Lady last season before his doping ban, and he has not made an appearance for France since March 2022, a 5-0 friendly win over South Africa.
Where could Pogba go next?
The question on everybody's lips now that Pogba has officially severed ties with Juventus, there have been no credible links to one particular club, although journalist Ben Jacobs reports that he is training in Miami and would be willing to join a team competing in the 2025 Club World Cup.
That naturally throws up the suggestion of Inter Miami, although the Saudi Pro League - whose Club World Cup representative will be Al-Hilal - is another viable option for the experienced midfielder.
Pogba is also said to be open to continuing his career in Europe - whisper it quietly, but Manchester City could be a wildcard option as the Premier League champions search for somebody who could plug the Rodri gap.
Pogba's Man United connections should quickly put paid to the idea of an Etihad switch, but with years of Premier League experience under his belt, it would not be surprising to learn that he is offered a route back to top-flight English football over the winter.
Ben Knapton
