Paul Pogba has declared he aims to be 'even better than before' after completing his move to Monaco, ending a two-year exile from football due to injury, a doping ban and personal turmoil. The 32-year-old midfielder broke down in tears during his contract signing, a moment captured in a viral video that he says reflected the emotional weight of his recent struggles.
Speaking at his unveiling, Pogba acknowledged the challenges he has faced, including a doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months on appeal, persistent injuries that limited him to just over 200 minutes for Juventus, and a kidnapping attempt in 2022 involving his brother Mathias. 'It is all linked. If the mind is good, it will go well on the pitch,' he said, adding that his wife's support and his desire to play in front of his children kept him focused.
Pogba, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, has set his sights on returning to the national squad for next summer's World Cup. However, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro tempered expectations, stating that Pogba will not be ready for the season opener against Le Havre in mid-August and will likely require a three-month recovery process. 'I can guarantee you that he won't be on the pitch against Le Havre,' Scuro said.
Monaco's midfield depth, including captain Denis Zakaria and rising talent Lamine Camara, means Pogba will not be rushed back. The club signed him on a free transfer with a two-year deal, and his salary, while significant, will not break the wage structure. Pogba remains determined: 'You will see a determined Paul Pogba.'
