Paul Pogba speaks out on 'extremely painful' court case as brother Mathias & childhood friends are hit with prison sentences over plot to extort ex-Man Utd & Juventus star

Pogba's elder brother was one of six people found guilty this week for kidnapping and blackmailing the former Manchester United star. Mathias was handed a three-year prison sentence, though two have been suspended and he will wear an ankle monitor for the remaining 12 months, instead of being held in a cell.

The others found guilty were given sentences of up to eight years and large fines, but Pogba took no joy from the outcome of the lengthy trial. The 31-year-old did not attend the court proceedings, but spoke out in the wake of the verdict.

"There is no winner in this case, which involves members of my family and people that I have known since childhood," Pogba told AFP. "I can now finally turn the page on his extremely painful period. This conclusion is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future. Now that the judgement has been made, I can fully focus on my return to professional football."

Pogba has been out of action since September last year because of a doping ban but is gearing up for his return to action, having been cleared to return to training in January. The France international is a free agent after his contract at Juventus was terminated, sparking reports of a possible transfer to Manchester City, Marseille and Corinthians.