- Fernandes and Pogba played with each other at United between 2020 and 2022
- Pogba will be allowed to start playing football competitively in March next year
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Bruno Fernandes has sent a touching message to former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba following the termination of his Juventus contract.
Last week, it was confirmed that the Italian giants and Pogba would part ways following a month of talks.
The former United midfielder will be eligible to return to the grass in January after his four-year drugs ban was slashed to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October, news exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.
Pogba was originally suspended on September 11, 2023, by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) for increased levels of testosterone, following a random drug test.
The Frenchman’s original contract at Juventus was set to expire in June 2026 after he re-joined the club from United in the summer of 2022.
However, he is now without a club and took to Instagram last week to thank Juventus for their support.
Bruno Fernandes (left) has called his former team-mate Paul Pogba a ‘phenomenal person’
Pogba’s contract at Italian side Juventus was terminated by mutual consent just last week
His four-year doping ban was reduced after an appeal and he can play again in March 2025
In a statement on Instagram, Pogba wrote: ‘There are times when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable.
‘You have given me so much, more than I can express in words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you have given me. You will always be in my heart. Good luck @Juventus.’
The post caught a lot of attention on social media, including that of many of his old team-mates from his days at Old Trafford.
Many past and present United stars sent messages of love and support to the Frenchman as he begins his journey looking for a new club.
One of those to comment was current Red Devils captain, Fernandes, who played alongside Pogba in midfield for two-and-a-half years.
‘Phenomenon as a player but even more phenomenal as a person you are,’ wrote the Portuguese midfielder, followed by a red heart emoji.
Juventus also released a statement confirming the news of Pogba’s departure last week.
It read: ‘Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024. The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.’
Fernandes and Pogba played in midfield together for two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford
Pogba moved to Juventus in the summer of 2022 but only made 12 appearances before his suspension
Pogba only managed four appearances upon his return to the Old Lady after an injury-ravaged 2022-23 season at the club.
Two of those came last campaign before he was handed the suspension and now the 31-year-old will seek for regular game time.
It is believed that a host of clubs throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the MLS have an interest in bringing Pogba through the door.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk