Adrien Rabiot pushes for Paul Pogba's return to Marseille in bold plea

In France, Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot has expressed his desire to play alongside Paul Pogba, urging him to join the club upon his return to availability next year. Rabiot made these comments following his performance in a match on December 8, 2024, where he scored a goal, contributing to a 2-0 victory against Saint-Etienne. This victory solidifies Marseille's position in the French league, where they are currently vying for the top spot, level on points with Monaco and trailing just five points behind Paris Saint-Germain. The context behind Rabiot's appeal is deeply rooted in Pogba's recent struggles. After testing positive for testosterone last year and facing a four-year doping ban that was subsequently reduced to 18 months, Pogba and Juventus mutually agreed to terminate his contract. His ban, which allows him to return to the pitch in March 2025, has left his career in a complicated state. Rabiot, who also had a short tenure at Juventus, is familiar with Pogba’s challenges, as their time together was limited due to Pogba's recurring injuries during their shared spells at the club. Since Rabiot joined Marseille from Juventus, he has begun to reestablish himself and is showing promising form under the guidance of coach Roberto De Zerbi. Marseille’s ambitions in the league are high, and Rabiot believes that Pogba's talent would significantly enhance the team's dynamics and aspirations, particularly as they look to compete with the reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain. The coach is instilling a notable sense of ambition and unity among the players, and Rabiot's invitation to Pogba signifies his belief in the squad’s potential. Celebrated for his achievements with the French national team, where he has accumulated 50 caps, Rabiot emphasized how highly he regards Pogba as a player, highlighting their previous experience at Juventus and the disappointment of not being able to play together more frequently due to Pogba's injuries. The midfielder’s desire to reunite with Pogba reflects not just a personal wish to collaborate on the field, but also a strategic vision to bolster Marseille's competitive edge moving forward. As they aim for league success, the prospect of adding a player of Pogba's caliber to their roster could drive the team's performance to new heights, especially at a pivotal moment for both players as they seek to reestablish their careers.