De Zerbi teases Pogba transfer after 'extremely painful period'

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Dec 2024 08:13 CST
3 min read

Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi has opened the door for a potential transfer of Paul Pogba.

The France midfielder is now in a position to fully focus on his next move. Pogba has been in the news a lot lately, not only because of doping suspension but also due to the court case surrounding him and his brother.

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However, both matters have now, at last, been resolved. Pogba saw his ban reduced and is now a free agent after having his Juventus contract terminated, while his brother Mathias has been jailed for "extortion, sequestration, and detention, as well as participation in criminal association."

His brother and several childhood friends were charged with attempting to extort money from the 2018 world champion. “There is no winner in this case, which involves members of my family and people that I have known since childhood,” Pogba said after the court ruling.

“I can now finally turn the page on his extremely painful period. This conclusion is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future. Now that the judgement has been made, I can fully focus on my return to professional football.”

De Zerbi on Pogba

A return to football may coincide with a return to France. The most persistent rumour surrounding Pogba has linked him with a move to Olympique de Marseille, with speculation stoked by OM midfielder Adrien Rabiot and cult hero Dimitri Payet.

However, club president Pablo Longoria recently set the record straight when he insisted that there were no talks currently ongoing. "I am not closing the door because he is on the market but there is a whole load of news surrounding Paul. These are more speculation and dreams rather than reality,” he added.

Head coach Roberto de Zerbi has struck a similar note, dismissing talk of negotiations but opening the door to a potential move. “I would like to have only champions in my team," the Italian began.

"Pogba has always been a champion but honestly, during my discussions with staff, we have never spoken about it. But if champions are arriving, we can try and find space for Paul Pogba.”