Jadon Sancho fires Paul Pogba seven-word message as ex-Man United star's feelings now clear

Manchester United player Jadon Sancho - currently on loan at Chelsea - has sent a message to former midfielder Paul Pogba as the Frenchman prepares to return to professional football.

The 31-year-old will be able to return to team training - at the beginning of 2025 - following the conclusion of his doping ban before he can play again in March. He was suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in February after results from a drug test found an increased level of testosterone in his system.

Following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months with that sanction beginning from September 2023. The ex-United midfielder was playing in Serie A for Juventus at the time, but has since been forced to build up his fitness away from a club environment.

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"I miss you.. a lot!! I'm getting ready to come back. I promise," Pogba wrote in a post to his 62.1 million followers on Instagram. The World Cup winner received a host of well-wishes, including one from former teammate and current Chelsea loanee Sancho - who moved to Stamford Bridge from United this summer.

He replied: "I can't wait for you to return!" Sancho has been out of action for Chelsea in their last two encounters, following his summer loan move from Old Trafford, through illness before the loan rules restricted his involvement as the two clubs went toe-to-toe in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Upon his return to competitive football, it remains unclear whether Pogba will return to Turin - with 18 months remaining on his current deal - or if he will have to find a new club. Reports in his native France have suggested Marseille are interested in his services, while he has left the door open to a return to the Italian giants.

"It's like I've been given another chance," Pogba said: "I got back what had been taken away and provided with a new lease of life. March feels like it's tomorrow, it'll come fast and I cannot wait."