Pogba ready to accept pay cut to play for Juventus

Paul Pogba has expressed his willingness to take a pay cut to play for Juventus again, despite the Serie A club’s hesitance to bring him back. After having his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the French World Cup winner is free to resume his career in March 2025.

While Juventus has not shown much enthusiasm for his return, Pogba insists the Turin giants are his only focus. “I am ready to even give up money so that I can still play for Juve,” Pogba revealed in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “I want to return.”

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and newly appointed coach Thiago Motta are sceptical about Pogba’s ability to regain his top form after such a long absence, following his positive test for testosterone in August 2023. However, the 31-year-old midfielder, who described feeling like a “caged lion,” has been training rigorously on his own and is determined to prove his doubters wrong.

“I am a Juve player now. That is all I have in my mind today,” Pogba stated. “I don’t need to talk. My performance on the pitch will speak for me, and Thiago Motta will judge based on what he sees.”

Pogba’s potential return faces further complications, as Juventus has undergone significant changes since his suspension. The club has shifted focus to a younger, fresher squad, moving away from its costly veterans, including offseason departures of key players like Federico Chiesa, Wojciech Szczęsny, Alex Sandro, and Adrien Rabiot.

Pogba, who rejoined Juventus in 2022 after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer, signed a lucrative contract worth eight million euros per year, with an additional two million in bonuses.

However, injuries limited his contribution to just eight Serie A appearances before his doping ban.
Reflecting on the doping incident, Pogba admitted his mistake but emphasized it was due to trust in a professional. “What I did wrong was not checking what a professional gave me,” he explained. “I won’t make the same mistake again, that’s certain.”

Despite his absence, Juventus has performed well, finishing third in Serie A last season and currently standing unbeaten in the league after seven matches, just three points behind Napoli.

Pogba remains resolute, warning critics of his renewed resolve. “I will be a new Pogba: Hungrier, wiser, and stronger,” he declared. However, his future at Juventus remains uncertain, dependent on both his performances and the club’s evolving plans.