Paul Pogba has said he can be an even better player for Monaco and France after spending nearly two years away from football due to a doping ban, injuries and legal troubles. The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Monaco on a free transfer last week, broke down in tears as he signed his contract, a moment that went viral.
Speaking at his unveiling, the 2018 World Cup winner admitted: '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.' Pogba's ban was reduced from four years to 18 months on appeal.
Beyond the doping case, Pogba also revealed the mental toll of a kidnapping attempt in March 2022, organised by his brother Mathias, who later tried to defame him by claiming he used a spiritual leader to cast a spell on Kylian Mbappé. Pogba said: 'In my head, there was sometimes an angel that said: “You’ll come back,” and a demon that said: “It’s over.”' He credited his wife for keeping him focused.
Despite his optimism, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro provided a dose of realism, stating Pogba will not play until October. 'I can guarantee you that he won’t be on the pitch against Le Havre on the opening day,' Scuro said. 'We expect a three-month process.' Pogba is targeting a return to the France squad for next summer's World Cup, calling it 'another dream'.
Monaco's midfield depth means they can afford to be patient, with club captain Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, and academy graduates Soungoutou Magassa and Mamadou Coulibaly all competing for places. Pogba arrives on a two-year deal and, while his salary reflects his standing, he will not break the club's wage structure.
