Paul Pogba has declared his ambition to be 'even better than before' for Monaco and France, but the club's CEO has tempered expectations by revealing the midfielder faces a three-month recovery process. Speaking at his first press conference since signing for the Ligue 1 side, the 32-year-old admitted his recent years have been marred by injury, a doping ban and personal turmoil.
Pogba, who last played competitively in September 2023, broke down in tears when his Monaco contract was signed, ending a two-year absence from football. '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 said. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder also revealed he had been the victim of an extortion attempt involving his brother Mathias, who later tried to defame him.
Despite his optimism, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro poured cold water on hopes of an early return. 'I can guarantee you that he won't be on the pitch against Le Havre. He was probably joking. I am here to be realistic and to be honest. We expect a three-month process,' Scuro said. This means Pogba is unlikely to feature until October, missing the start of Monaco's league and Champions League campaigns.
Pogba, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, has set his sights on returning to the national team for next summer's tournament. 'It would be another dream, a bonus,' he said. However, his fitness remains a major concern. '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 admitted.
Monaco's midfield depth, including captain Denis Zakaria and rising star Lamine Camara, means Pogba will not be rushed. The club sees him as a 'wildcard' addition on a free transfer, with a salary that reflects his standing but does not break the wage structure. For now, Pogba is focused on recovery. 'You will see a determined Paul Pogba,' he promised.
