'Not the goal'- Paul Pogba confirms he rejected transfer to Russia as ex-Man Utd & Juventus star targets Champions League return

The World Cup-winning Frenchman was stung with a four-year suspension after failing a drugs test in September 2023. That sanction was reduced to 18 months on appeal, but the 31-year-old was still released from his contract at Serie A giants Juventus.

Pogba will be free to resume his career in March 2025 and has been linked with clubs around the world. Moves to the Saudi Pro League, MLS and Ligue 1 have been speculated on, while an ambitious approach from Russia was tabled when the all-action midfielder was prevented from gracing a professional stage.

Pogba snubbed that offer and has told French Twitch streamer AmineMaTue of his ambition: “There are proposals, then there are interesting things, and not so interesting things... Russia, all that, there have been proposals, but that's not the goal. We have other goals. A club that plays in the Champions League? Why not. If it comes, of course, why not. We always want to be in the best clubs. After that it doesn't depend on me, it depends on lots of other things.”

Pogba has been linked with a move to Marseille, which would see him reunited with former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood. They appear to be well on course to secure Champions League qualification for 2025-26, which may appeal to a man that has grown accustomed to competing for major honours.