JUVENTUS have ripped up Paul Pogba’s contract after his recent doping ban.
Pogba, 31, was initially handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offence, before the suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
It meant he was able to return to training with Juve from January and could have played as soon as March.
However, the Bianconeri and the former Manchester United star have mutually decided to terminate his contract.
The Serie A giants confirmed the news with a short and blunt 34-word statement that stated Pogba will become a free agent on November 30.
It read: “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.
Read More on Football
“The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.”
Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.
The former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.
But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
However, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.
Pogba’s future is currently unknown but the ex-France star appears keen to return at top level and that has sparked immense speculation about a potential Premier League return.
And Arsenal heroes Emmanuel Petit and Bacary Sagna have urged their former club to sign the midfielder.
Petit claims his fellow Frenchman would make a perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s side due to his motivation to “wash his name”.
Sagna, on the other hand, argues Pogba would be bringing a lot of Premier League experience combined with a “desire” to start fresh.
The ex-France captain issued a touching farewell message to Juventus fans after his contract was terminated.
Pogba posted on Instagram: “There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me.
“You’ll be in my heart, aways. Good luck @juventus.”
What is DHEA?
PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.
It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.
DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.
In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.
Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
