Paul Pogba's Juventus career is over after the Serie A club announced on Friday that the France midfielder's contract had been terminated even though his doping ban was cut to 18 months on appeal.

Pogba will be able to return to competitive football in March after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) chopped last month an initial four-year suspension handed down by the Italian anti-doping authority NADO.

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But Juventus have decided to cut ties with the 31-year-old, whose return to Turin from Manchester United in 2022 was ruined by a string of problems on and off the pitch.

In a statement, Juve said that they and Pogba "have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024".

His contract had been due to expire in 2026.

"You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I'll always keep with me the love you showed me," said Pogba to Juve fans on social media. "You'll always be in my heart. Good luck."

Pogba had said in October that he was "willing to give up money to be able to play again with Juve", an appeal which fell on deaf ears at the "Old Lady" of Italian football.

Juve's announcement is no surprise as both coach Thiago Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli have both repeatedly referred to Pogba in the past tense, saying that "he was a great player".

Pogba, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, started just one match after rejoining Juve -- with whom he won four Serie A titles between 2012 and 2016 -- in the summer of 2022.

He last played for Juve at Empoli in September last year, not long before he was provisionally suspended for testing positive for testosterone.

<h2>Doping ban</h2>

That test came following Juve's opening Serie A fixture of last season the previous month, a 3-0 win at Udinese in which he didn't even play.

He was then banned for four years by NADO in February, a sanction which put his career at risk before CAS reduced his punishment.

CAS accepted Pogba's argument that the failed test "was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida".

However, CAS did not completely exonerate Pogba as he "was not without fault" and as a professional football player, "he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances".

During the 2022-23 season, Pogba made just 10 appearances for Juve, mainly due to a knee injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar where France lost out to Argentina in the final in December 2022.

He was also the victim of a case of organised extortion, for which six men, including his brother Mathias, have been ordered to stand trial.

In Pogba's absence Juve switched manager from Massimiliano Allegri to Motta and brought in a host of new players as part of a rebuild.

Juve, who finished third last term without Pogba, splashed out over 120 million euros on midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram in a busy summer on the transfer market.

They currently sit sixth in Serie A but are only two points behind league leaders Napoli and face AC Milan at the San Siro after the international break.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Paul Pogba's Juventus career is over after the Serie A club announced on Friday that the France midfielder's contract had been terminated even though his doping ban was cut to 18 months on appeal.

Paul Pogba's Juventus career is over after the Serie A club announced on Friday that the France midfielder's contract had been terminated even though his doping ban was cut to 18 months on appeal. Pogba will be able to return to competitive football in March after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) chopped last month an initial four-year suspension handed down by the Italian anti-doping authority NADO. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo hits brace as Portugal thrash Poland to reach Nations League quarters, Spain win But Juventus have decided to cut ties with the 31-year-old, whose return to Turin from Manchester United in 2022 was ruined by a string of problems on and off the pitch. In a statement, Juve said that they and Pogba "have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024". His contract had been due to expire in 2026. "You gave me a lot, more than what I could ever say, and I'll always keep with me the love you showed me," said Pogba to Juve fans on social media. "You'll always be in my heart. Good luck." Pogba had said in October that he was "willing to give up money to be able to play again with Juve", an appeal which fell on deaf ears at the "Old Lady" of Italian football. Juve's announcement is no surprise as both coach Thiago Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli have both repeatedly referred to Pogba in the past tense, saying that "he was a great player". Pogba, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, started just one match after rejoining Juve -- with whom he won four Serie A titles between 2012 and 2016 -- in the summer of 2022. He last played for Juve at Empoli in September last year, not long before he was provisionally suspended for testing positive for testosterone. Doping ban That test came following Juve's opening Serie A fixture of last season the previous month, a 3-0 win at Udinese in which he didn't even play. He was then banned for four years by NADO in February, a sanction which put his career at risk before CAS reduced his punishment. CAS accepted Pogba's argument that the failed test "was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida". However, CAS did not completely exonerate Pogba as he "was not without fault" and as a professional football player, "he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances". During the 2022-23 season, Pogba made just 10 appearances for Juve, mainly due to a knee injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar where France lost out to Argentina in the final in December 2022. He was also the victim of a case of organised extortion, for which six men, including his brother Mathias, have been ordered to stand trial. In Pogba's absence Juve switched manager from Massimiliano Allegri to Motta and brought in a host of new players as part of a rebuild. Juve, who finished third last term without Pogba, splashed out over 120 million euros on midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram in a busy summer on the transfer market. They currently sit sixth in Serie A but are only two points behind league leaders Napoli and face AC Milan at the San Siro after the international break. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Juventus cut ties with Paul Pogba, terminates his contract despite doping ban reduction

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is eager to return to football after having his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months and said he dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup with France.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport cut the 31-year-old's ban earlier this month after he was provisionally suspended by Italy's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO Italia) in September 2023 following a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.

Pogba, who appealed to CAS arguing his ingestion of DHEA was not intentional, will be eligible to return to play for Juventus in March - and he said he was stronger, wiser and even willing to take a pay cut.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/thomas-tuchel-targets-2026-fifa-world-cup-glory-as-he-takes-over-as-england-manager-768164">Thomas Tuchel targets 2026 FIFA World Cup glory as he takes over as England manager</a>

"I am ready to return to normal in 2025. I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve," Pogba told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday.

"I don't have to speak, the pitch will speak and then (coach) Thiago Motta will judge with his own eyes, based on what he sees. I'm ready to give up even money to play for Juve again. I want to come back," the player, who has a contract with Juventus until June 2026, added.

Pogba, who last played for Juventus over a year ago in a 2-0 win at Empoli, said that getting the initial ban was the most difficult moment of his career.

"It was a very difficult year and what hurt the most was spending every day outside the stadium and (Juventus's training centre) Continassa taking my children to school without being able to go inside to train or play for Juventus.

"Many past and current teammates have always supported me. (Juan) Cuadrado called me every other day and always made me laugh. (Paulo) Dybala sent me many messages. And then (Dusan) Vlahovic, (Weston) McKennie, (Timothy) Weah, (Moise) Kean... I didn't expect so many."

Pogba added that as well as getting back to his best for the Serie A side, he also wants to return to Didier Deschamps' France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"The dream of the World Cup is there, but Deschamps hasn't opened the doors for anyone. It's up to me to open them he told me to work," the midfielder said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is eager to return to football after having his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months and said he dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup with France.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is eager to return to football after having his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months and said he dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup with France. The Court of Arbitration for Sport cut the 31-year-old's ban earlier this month after he was provisionally suspended by Italy's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO Italia) in September 2023 following a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels. Pogba, who appealed to CAS arguing his ingestion of DHEA was not intentional, will be eligible to return to play for Juventus in March - and he said he was stronger, wiser and even willing to take a pay cut. ALSO READ: Thomas Tuchel targets 2026 FIFA World Cup glory as he takes over as England manager "I am ready to return to normal in 2025. I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve," Pogba told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday. "I don't have to speak, the pitch will speak and then (coach) Thiago Motta will judge with his own eyes, based on what he sees. I'm ready to give up even money to play for Juve again. I want to come back," the player, who has a contract with Juventus until June 2026, added. Pogba, who last played for Juventus over a year ago in a 2-0 win at Empoli, said that getting the initial ban was the most difficult moment of his career. "It was a very difficult year and what hurt the most was spending every day outside the stadium and (Juventus's training centre) Continassa taking my children to school without being able to go inside to train or play for Juventus. "Many past and current teammates have always supported me. (Juan) Cuadrado called me every other day and always made me laugh. (Paulo) Dybala sent me many messages. And then (Dusan) Vlahovic, (Weston) McKennie, (Timothy) Weah, (Moise) Kean... I didn't expect so many." Pogba added that as well as getting back to his best for the Serie A side, he also wants to return to Didier Deschamps' France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. "The dream of the World Cup is there, but Deschamps hasn't opened the doors for anyone. It's up to me to open them he told me to work," the midfielder said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Returning Paul Pogba eyes spot in 2026 World Cup squad after doping ban reduction

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban for a doping offence earlier this season, with the France international saying on Thursday that he will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sky Sport Italy and La Repubblica had reported that the sports prosecutor's request for a four-year ban was granted.

Juventus did not comment but a source confirmed the club was notified about the decision and would assess the next steps. The 30-year-old Pogba, who has denied any wrongdoing, has a contract at Juve until June 2026.

"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's (NADO Italia) decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba said in a statement. "I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

"As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

Italy's national anti-doping organisation (NADO Italia) declined to comment on Pogba's case citing privacy rules.

Pogba was provisionally suspended by a NADO Italia tribunal in September after testing positive for testosterone - a banned substance and hormone that increases athletes' endurance.

The test, performed after Juve's 3-0 Serie A season-opening victory at Udinese on Aug. 20, detected testosterone, with the tribunal saying the results were consistent with an 'exogenous' (external) origin of the substance.

Pogba was an unused substitute in that game but he later made two appearances off the bench against Bologna and Empoli before he was handed a provisional suspension.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-midfielder-paul-pogba-banned-for-four-years-for-failing-anti-doping-test-695202">French midfielder Paul Pogba banned for four years for failing anti-doping test</a>

Pogba's positive doping test was also confirmed in a counter-analysis on a second sample in October.

The ban could effectively end Pogba's career at the highest level, with the Frenchman -- who was among the sport's highest-earning players at his peak -- unable to return to action until September 2027 when he will be 34.

"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations," Pogba added.

"As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against."

Pogba has had a torrid second spell with Juve due to injuries since he returned to the Turin-based club following his departure from Manchester United on a free transfer in 2022.

The 2018 World Cup winner barely featured last season due to knee and hamstring injuries as well as knee surgery, which prevented him playing for France at the World Cup in Qatar.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban for a doping offence earlier this season, with the France international saying on Thursday that he will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban for a doping offence earlier this season, with the France international saying on Thursday that he will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Sky Sport Italy and La Repubblica had reported that the sports prosecutor's request for a four-year ban was granted. Juventus did not comment but a source confirmed the club was notified about the decision and would assess the next steps. The 30-year-old Pogba, who has denied any wrongdoing, has a contract at Juve until June 2026. "I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's (NADO Italia) decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect," Pogba said in a statement. "I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. "As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport." Italy's national anti-doping organisation (NADO Italia) declined to comment on Pogba's case citing privacy rules. Pogba was provisionally suspended by a NADO Italia tribunal in September after testing positive for testosterone - a banned substance and hormone that increases athletes' endurance. The test, performed after Juve's 3-0 Serie A season-opening victory at Udinese on Aug. 20, detected testosterone, with the tribunal saying the results were consistent with an 'exogenous' (external) origin of the substance. Pogba was an unused substitute in that game but he later made two appearances off the bench against Bologna and Empoli before he was handed a provisional suspension. ALSO READ: French midfielder Paul Pogba banned for four years for failing anti-doping test Pogba's positive doping test was also confirmed in a counter-analysis on a second sample in October. The ban could effectively end Pogba's career at the highest level, with the Frenchman -- who was among the sport's highest-earning players at his peak -- unable to return to action until September 2027 when he will be 34. "When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations," Pogba added. "As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against." Pogba has had a torrid second spell with Juve due to injuries since he returned to the Turin-based club following his departure from Manchester United on a free transfer in 2022. The 2018 World Cup winner barely featured last season due to knee and hamstring injuries as well as knee surgery, which prevented him playing for France at the World Cup in Qatar.

'I am sad, shocked and heartbroken' - Paul Pogba reacts to four-year ban in doping case