Relieved, Paul Pogba can now “fully concentrate” on his return to the field

Paul Pogba comes out of the woods. The French international expressed his relief in a letter after his brother Mathias and five of his childhood friends were sentenced to up to eight years in prison in the case of the kidnapping of the world champion 2018. Relief, certainly, but no jubilation on the part of the player.

“There is no winner in this case which involves members of my family and people I have known since childhood,” the French international said through his lawyer.

Paul Pogba can “finally turn the page”

Mathias Pogba was sentenced to one year in prison under an electronic bracelet. The other defendants in this highly publicized trial were all sentenced to prison terms of up to eight years and fines of 20,000 to 40,000 euros, for extortion, kidnapping as well as participation in a criminal association.

“I can finally turn the page on this extremely painful period. This conclusion is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future,” the former Juventus Turin player, who did not wish to attend the trial, wrote to AFP.

“Focus fully on my return to football”

The end of this legal aspect perhaps marks a turning point in the career of Paul Pogba, put on hold since a positive test for testosterone and a suspension for doping which he began to serve in September 2023. His sanction reduced on appeal , he will be authorized to resume competition in March 2025.

“Now that the judgment has been rendered, I can fully concentrate on my return to professional football,” added the player, without a club since the termination of his contract with Juventus Turin at the end of November. It remains to be seen where it will take place.