Paul Pogba (32) is finally back on the soccer field. He is on the verge of joining AS Monaco in France.

The British 'BBC' reported on the 14th (Korea time) that "Pogba is aiming for a comeback through his join to Monaco after receiving a suspension for doping. He is currently in discussions with Monaco to return as a soccer player."

The media reported, "The 32-year-old Pogba, a World Cup champion from France, is moving forward to return to his home country with a Ligue 1 team. Having played for Manchester United and Juventus, he is currently in discussions about signing a two-year contract with Monaco. Monaco hopes to finalize the acquisition within a few days."

Pogba has completed his preparations for a comeback to the professional league. The BBC explained that "Pogba has been negotiating with Monaco for several weeks now. He was planning his return while training individually ahead of the preseason."

Additionally, the media noted that "Pogba tested positive in a random doping test conducted after the opening match of the 2023-2024 season, resulting in a temporary suspension. He received a four-year ban but was reduced to 18 months after appealing. Pogba agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Juventus in November 2023, and since March, he has been free to resume his player career."

The doping case of Pogba began in September of last year, when a prohibited substance was detected in a sample he submitted. Pogba underwent doping testing after Juventus' 3-0 victory over Udinese, and as a result, issues with his testosterone levels were uncovered. Testosterone is a male hormone that enhances athletes' endurance and is one of the representative prohibited substances.

Pogba expressed his innocence, saying he never took anything intentionally, but the same positive result appeared in the second test as well. Both samples contained dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which promotes the production of testosterone and other hormones. DHEA is a hormone once referred to as "the fountain of youth" for its anti-aging and muscle-strengthening effects.

A supplement he took without much thought became problematic. 'ESPN' reported that "according to a source, Pogba received a prescription for a dietary supplement from one of his doctor friends in Miami. Certain supplements are available in the U.S. but not obtainable in Italy."

Instead of negotiating a sentence with NADO, Pogba chose to go to trial at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS partly accepted Pogba's appeal, noting that the fact that DHEA affects women was a mitigating factor.

As a result, the suspension period was reduced to 18 months, and the fine was canceled. The CAS panel confirmed evidence and legal arguments stating that Pogba's consumption of DHEA, which tested positive, was not intentional, but rather a result of mistakenly using a supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida.

Furthermore, CAS stated that "Because the doctor claimed to have treated several international athletes, it was reasonable to believe that he would be mindful of anti-doping obligations. He acknowledged some fault and requested a 12-month suspension," explaining the basis for the ruling. "Pogba received support from several experts, and most of the evidence he presented was not disputed. However, he was not without fault and should have been more cautious as a professional athlete."

Although Pogba has been away from the pitch for nearly two years, he has not given up on returning to professional play. In October of last year, he stated, "I want to be on the field, anywhere. First and foremost, it’s Juventus. I want to participate in training with the team. It’s hard to pass the ball to myself against the wall."

However, no teams called upon Pogba in the meantime. While his former teammate Adrien Rabiot, who plays for Ligue 1’s Olympique de Marseille, expressed a desire to play with Pogba, actual negotiations did not progress. His former club Juventus also did not pursue Pogba's return.

Pogba is now searching for a new team. Dreaming of participating in the 2026 North America World Cup, he wanted to return to one of the top five leagues in Europe instead of the Middle East or the U.S., and is about to join Monaco.

Not only the BBC but also European soccer transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano stated that "Monaco has proposed a two-year contract to Pogba. Negotiations are currently ongoing. Discussions about the club project will continue this weekend as well," adding that "Monaco is making efforts to reach an agreement with Pogba, while also pursuing the acquisition of Ansu Fati at the same time."

'ESPN' also mentioned that "According to sources, Pogba is expected to end his two-year hiatus from football after starting negotiations with Monaco. He is also being linked with clubs in the Saudi Pro League, which will participate in the Club World Cup. However, discussions with Monaco are progressing smoothly. Pogba will be returning to a French team for the first time since leaving Le Havre for Manchester United at age 16 in 2009."

[Photo] Foot Mercato, Dictate Sports, Sky Sports, Fabrizio Romano.

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