Thiago Motta Doesn't See Paul Pogba in His Plans with Juventus

Thiago Motta, the coach of Juventus, has left Paul Pogba's future uncertain. Pogba is set to return to playing sooner than expected after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his doping ban from 4 years to 18 months.

"The club will decide what to do with Pogba. For me, he has always been a great player. It's been a while since he last played," said the coach at a press conference.

Pogba tested positive in September 2023 for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels, receiving an initial 4-year ban which seemed to spell the end of his career. However, after Italian sports courts upheld the ban despite appeals, he took the case to CAS, which reduced the sanction, as he confirmed in an official statement.

"The nightmare is finally over. Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision, I eagerly await the day I can pursue my dreams again," he stated. "I've always maintained that I never knowingly broke World Anti-Doping Agency rules by taking a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor, which doesn't affect or enhance a male athlete's performance. I play with integrity, though I accept it’s a case of strict liability," he added.

"It's been a very distressing period in my life, with everything I've done so far being put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I'm eager to get back on the field," he concluded. However, his future might not be with Juve, with whom he is contracted until 2026. Italian media have suggested the club might be considering terminating his contract, and Motta's statements seem to align with that possibility.

Currently, the player receives the minimum possible salary, about 2,000 euros a month, so if he returns to play, Juventus would have to resume paying him a significant salary.

Paul Labile Pogba

Juventus FC