Paul Pogba’s doping ban was reduced to 18 months last week (Picture: Getty)
Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a move to Ligue 1 in the future after Patrice Evra joked that he would be on the phone to Marseille’s sporting director to get a deal done.
The 31-year-old midfielder was banned from football for four years in late February after a drugs test discovered elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
However, Pogba launched an appeal against the decision and the suspension was reduced to 18 months last week, though the Court of Arbitration stated that the Frenchman ‘should have paid greater care in the circumstances’.
The former Manchester United star remains contracted to Juventus and will be allowed to resume training with the Serie A outfit in January, before returning to first-team football again from March.
But there are rumours Pogba may depart Juve before the ban is lifted and Marseille have reportedly opened discussions over January move for the 2018 World Cup winner.
‘I’m not surprised,’ Evra – Pogba’s long-time team-mate – said of his friend’s ban being reduced.
‘I was with Paul just three weeks ago. He was very confident.
Pogba and Evra are close friends and former team-mates (Picture: Getty)
‘The ban was very severe. They wanted to set an example. Justice has been done.
‘Paul is a little brother, someone I adore. He will be back on the field and able to train.
‘I don’t think there is any continuity with Juve.’
Evra would love to see Pogba join Marseille (Picture: Getty)
Evra joked that he would get in contract with Marseille’s sporting director Mehdi Benatia – his former team-mate at Juventus – to push through a transfer.
‘He [Pogba] wants to play football, wherever it is. Why not Marseille, for example?’ he added.
‘I’m going to call Mehdi Benatia and tell him that the door is open.’
Pogba played down talk of a January transfer to Marseille (Picture: L’Equipe)
Pogba sat down for a chat with L’Equipe on Monday and the France international discussed a range of topics, including Evra’s comments about Marseille.
‘I’m laughing because it’s Uncle Pat. He said that jokingly, you know him,’ Pogba responded.
‘I’m still under contract so it’s not credible.’
The World Cup winner can return to the pitch again from March (Picture: Getty)
The four-time Serie A champion did, though, keep the door open to a possible switch to Ligue 1 down the line.
‘We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Why not play in Ligue 1?’ he added.
‘I don’t have to say no.’
Pogba still has two years remaining on his current contract with Juve, with his deal running through to June 2026.
The midfielder suffered a serious knee injury on his return to Turin and he has gone on to make just 12 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants.
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