Paul Pogba has said he aims to be ‘even better than before’ after signing for Monaco, ending a two-year spell away from football due to injury, a doping ban and legal issues. The 32-year-old midfielder broke down in tears when signing his contract, with emotions flooding back from the doping saga, his injury problems and an extortion attempt involving his brother Mathias.
Speaking at a press conference at Monaco’s performance centre, Pogba said: ‘There were so many images that came into my mind. We know the doping story, my injury. Everything came back to me during the signing and I couldn’t hold back.’ He admitted that mentally he had struggled, with an angel telling him he would return and a demon saying it was over, but his wife pushed him to stay focused.
Pogba’s doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months on appeal, and he has not played competitively since September 2023. He is targeting a return to the France squad for next summer’s World Cup, calling it ‘another dream, a bonus’. However, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro dampened expectations, saying Pogba will not be ready for the opening Ligue 1 match against Le Havre in mid-August and that a three-month process is expected.
Pogba acknowledged his fitness is a major question mark: ‘My body, mentally and physically, has taken a hit in recent years, so to get back to a professional, intense level, it will take time.’ He hopes to return in October, by which time Monaco will have played six league games and started their Champions League campaign. The club’s midfield depth, including Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara and Eric Dier, means Pogba will not be rushed.
