Paul Pogba is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Juventus in December following a 15-month ban from football, and has been tipped to kick on upon his return
Paul Pogba’s former Manchester United team-mate Brandon Williams has voiced his enthusiasm for the midfielder’s return to the pitch. After parting ways with Juventus in December by mutual consent following an extended 15-month absence, the Frenchman is eager to jump back into the game.
Pogba initially faced a four-year suspension when he tested positive for a substance that can boost testosterone levels. However, he had his ban reduced to 18 months on appeal, as authorities concluded he didn’t intentionally take the substance.
With the 32-year-old’s ban having been lifted last month, he’s now scouting for a new team. Williams, who previously shared the Old Trafford dressing room with Pogba, can hardly wait to see him back in action and disclosed details from a private conversation they shared.
Speaking to ex-United shot-stopper Ben Foster on the Fozcast podcast, Williams said Pogba will have struggled during his forced break but is confident he will bounce back, lauding his deep ties to Manchester.
Williams told Foster: “He has got everything. If you had to build a midfielder, you’re building someone like him. I’m excited for him to be back and to see how he gets on. It would have been a tough time for him.
“I was actually away in America about two years ago and I spoke to him and he was asking how I was. He’s basically from Manchester and he was here from such a young age.
“He knows what type of people we are as well as Mancunians, even with Jesse [Lingard] and Marcus [Rashford]. He gets that side of the banter so I can actually talk to him on a serious level and a jokey level.”
Speculation has linked Pogba with a potential return to United, while Mason Greenwood said he would welcome his former colleague at Marseille. But, according to Fabrizio Romano, both moves are unlikely.
Romano reported that despite being offered Pogba, Marseille passed up the opportunity, and United didn’t show any interest either. Meanwhile, past rumours linking Manchester City with Pogba in January have been silenced.
The Frenchman was recently seen in Florida and spotted at an Inter Miami match. Pogba’s presence has triggered talks of a possible switch to the MLS but his aspirations to rejoin the France national squad could hinder a move Stateside.
French boss Didier Deschamps has opened up about his chats with Pogba. “He’s supposed to be able to play again, but he doesn’t have a club,” Deschamps said. “We’re talking, and I won’t tell you the details.
“Yes, he has the ability and the mentality to return to the highest level. It won’t happen overnight, but for the moment, he hasn’t made a decision. We’ll see.”
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