'I miss you a lot!' - Paul Pogba sends emotional message as he gears up for return from doping ban amid uncertainty over Juventus future

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has been stuck on the sidelines since September 2023. He was initially stung with a four-year suspension from all football-related activity, but has seen that sanction reduced to 18 months on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Pogba is still some months away from getting the green light to resume his playing career, with the 31-year-old midfielder having to wait until March 2025 before finding himself in a position to kick a competitive ball in anger again.

The former Manchester United star is, however, chomping at the bit and looking forward to rejoining training sessions and putting himself in contention for game time. He has posted on social media as fans prepare for his return: “I miss you.. a lot!! I’m getting ready to come back. I promise.”

It remains to be seen when and where Pogba’s next appearance will come. He is tied to a contract at Serie A giants Juventus through to 2026, but there has been talk of those terms being cut short – which would allow the France international to find a new club as a free agent.