Paul Pogba has reportedly offered himself to a European club ahead of his return to Football – but was rejected.
The Frenchman agreed to terminate his contract with Juventus last week ahead of his return to football following an 18-month ban.
Pogba was suspended for four years in 2023 after an initial sample taken after a game against Udinese in August showed DHEA – a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone – was found in his system.
In response, Pogba denied ‘knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations’ and stressed he would appeal the verdict.
Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport revealed that Pogba’s appeal was partially successful and his ban had been reduced to 18 months.
Following that verdict, Pogba told Sky Sports that he had ‘never taken performance-enhancing drugs’.
He said: “I like to win fairly. I’m a bad loser, but I’m not a cheater.
“I accept responsiblity of taking the supplement, but I didn’t triple check it, even if it came rom a professional.
“If I have to be punished, then I’m fine with it. But it should never have been four years. I will accept 12 months.”
His free agent status means he can sign for another club at any time before his ban expires, though he won’t be able to play until March.
Now, Spanish outlet El Nacional claim that Pogba was offered to Atletico Madrid as he looks for a new club.
Paul Pogba in action for Juventus (Image: Getty)
However, it is claimed that Atletico want ‘nothing to do’ with the 31-year-old as Diego Simeone is not keen on recruiting ‘experiments’.
But he has been linked with fellow Spanish outlet Villarreal, who are only two points behind Atletico in fourth in the La Liga table and have a game in hand.
He has also been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle and West Ham.
