France’s World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba will leave English club Manchester United once his contract expires at the end of June.
This is the second time Pogba is leaving United on a free transfer with reports linking him with a move to Italian giants Juventus or French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.
Pogba joined United’s academy from French side Le Havre aged 16 and made his first-team debut in 2012. Due to the high competition of positions, he left United to join Juventus as a free agent in 2012 but returned four years later for a then world-record fee of £89 million.
Pogba, however, struggled to consistently replicate the form he had displayed in Italy despite winning the EFL Cup and Europa League in his first season following his much-hyped return.
The 29-year-old, whose last appearance was in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in April, scored 39 goals in 233 first-team games.
Meanwhile, Welsh forward Gareth Bale will also leave Spanish giants Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of June.
The 32-year-old spent nine seasons at the Bernabeu scoring 106 goals in 258 matches winning several titles, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Bale posted an open letter to the club’s fans on social media on Wednesday saying it was “an honour” and an “incredible experience” to play for Real Madrid.
“I arrived here 9 years ago as a young man who wanted to realize my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabéu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League.”
“I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more.”
Bale has been linked with moves to Welsh clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City and the American league, Major League Soccer.
