A “dream” for Ansu Fati. An “excitement” for Éric Dier. First of all, the other ASM flagship recruits were invited to comment on this Thursday, the arrival of Paul Pogba on the rock. Two speeches at the height of the aura aroused by the new prince of Monaco.
Then arrived at the expected moment. Around 2:40 p.m., and with a slight delay, the pickaxe, 2018 world champion and former strategist of the Blues, presented himself in the press room a red polo shirt on the shoulders. The mid-32-year-old expressed his desire to come back quickly (“if it just held, I can be on the field tomorrow,” he joked). Without burning the steps but without being forbidden either. He assumes it, he still dreams of the Blues and the 2026 World Cup. True to himself, he even authorized himself a joke on Didier Deschamps.
We saw you very moved when signing your contract. What did you think?
PAUL POGBA. There was a lot of emotions. It is very rare to see me cry like that, I hope you enjoyed it (laughs). A lot of images came to my mind, you know the story, whether it is the doping (It was suspended eighteen months due to a positive control at the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in August 2023 editor’s note), injuries. I couldn’t hold back.
How much do you feel ready for this comeback?
Mentally and physically, I’m fine. There is a very very good structure here and very good energy to help me come back to my best level. I want to resume the pleasure I had lost.
What has your daily life look over for the past two years? Did you sometimes doubt?
In the morning, I put my children at school, I was a very present dad. And after that, I was going to train, then I recovered them at school (laughs). I was traveling all the time with my physical trainer. I made sure I never do three days without training. I always told myself that I could come back at any time. There were moments of doubt of course. There is the angel and the demon. You tell yourself that maybe you’re going to resume, maybe it’s over. Training on its own is not easy. You always have to motivate yourself. Sometimes you are lazy, excuse me for the term. But I looked as much as possible to the future, thanks to my family too who told me not to worry. I wanted my children to see me playing in the field, it helped me keep this discipline. I have already said it but I feel like a kid who has just signed Pro for the first time.
No particular pressure then?
Since I was 16, I left Le Havre, it has always been like that. This is a question of habit. We are football players. There are praise after the right matches, criticism after the bad ones. When you sign professional, you sign with all this, it’s a package.
You have set yourself a deadline For a return to competition?
(Editor’s note: he lets the general manager Thiago Scuro first answer. The latter does not give precise timing but recalls that Paul Pogba wants to play the World Cup next summer). I must not be too in a hurry, like children who want something right away. Monaco wants to take the time it takes. At 50 %, I will not help the team properly. If it was up to me, I can be on the field tomorrow. I am super determined, you know me. Feel the lawns, the terrain, the balloons. But it takes the time it will take.
There is also a nice symbol. The first ASM Ligue 1 opponent will be facing Le Havre in mid-August …
I hope to be there. It’s beautiful, it’s my training club. But for the moment, I have no return date. I have an XXL program. It is my body that will decide, and my mind too.
𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆: Immerse yourself behind the signing of Paul Pogba 🎥
The full video available on our YouTube channel 👇
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) June 29, 2025
Does playing for the first time in Ligue 1 excite you?
The L1 has always been a big championship with a lot of talents and potentials. There is a strong domination of PSG in recent years but clubs like Lille or Monaco have still won it. It is a pride to be a Ligue 1 player.
Have you exchanged with Didier Deschamps before signing?
Yes he called me. He said to me: You can come back when you want. No, I laugh. No but playing in the France team (91 selections) is everyone’s wish. There, I am in step 1. Now, you have to deserve your place. There is a beautiful group and a beautiful team.
Is there anyway a rebellious account in your head?
No. I am at the first step. It is possible that the coach does not take me, even if I put 30 goals in the season. You must first play, have fun. The Blues would be bonus.
Do you believe that all your injuries are linked to your extra-productive problems (extortion attempt, positive anti-doping)?
Everything is linked. If the head is not going, you can have seeds everywhere. The plan is to adjust all of this. To be very emotionally and physically to be free as a bird.
What will be your role in this team?
We had a good discussion with the coach (Adi Hütter). He told me how he played and how he wanted me to play. I told him that I wanted to see videos from last year’s matches to understand the movements and adapt as quickly as possible (…) I am one of the oldest, it makes me weird to say that, but I will be there to give advice, if I am given the place.
Do you have a feeling of revenge?
No, I’m grateful. What happened helped me to grow, to see what can happen in real life. I’m just happy to redo what I like most in the world.
How did you react to the announcement of the accidental death of Diogo Jota?
My condolences to his family. It is a reminder for any human being: enjoying the family, the people you love. Even people who hurt you, against whom you have resentment. It helped me too. This morning, I said to myself: forgive. The time we have, he can stop at any time.
Paul PogbaS Return: Key Statistics and Career Highlights
To further illuminate Paul Pogba’s journey, let’s examine some key data points:
| Statistic/Achievement | Details |
| :————————– | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Senior Appearances (Juventus & Manchester United) | 423 Games [[2]] |
| Goals Scored | 73 Goals [[2]] |
| assists | 90 assists [[2]] |
| France National Team Caps | 91 Caps [[2]], indicating his importance for teh French national team |
| France National Team Goals | 11 Goals [[2]] |
| Key Clubs | Juventus, Manchester United, AS Monaco |
| Major Achievement | 2018 FIFA World Cup Winner |
| Doping suspension | 18-month suspension due to a positive test for DHEA in August 2023 [[1]] |
SEO-Friendly FAQ Section: Paul Pogba’s Return to Football
Here’s a thorough FAQ section designed to answer common questions and enhance search visibility:
Q: When did paul Pogba sign with AS Monaco?
A: Paul Pogba signed a free agent deal with AS Monaco in July 2025.
Q: Why did Paul Pogba have to take an 18-month break from football?
A: He was suspended due to a positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance. The ban considerably impacted his career, but he is now returning to the sport [[1]].
Q: How has the doping suspension affected Pogba’s career?
A: The suspension sidelined him for a significant period, interrupting his playing time that led to this monaco contract. The comeback is of particular interest to his fans and the media.
Q: How many appearances does Paul pogba have in his senior career?
A: Paul Pogba has 423 senior appearances between Juventus and Manchester United. [[2]]
Q: How many goals has Paul pobga scored in his senior career?
A: Paul Pogba has scored 73 goals. [[2]]
Q: What are Pogba’s chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup?
A: Pogba has expressed his desire to be part of the French national team again. his performance with Monaco over the next year will be critical in determining his fate in the 2026 World Cup.
Q: What role is Paul Pogba expected to play at AS Monaco?
A: Pogba has discussed with AS Monaco’s coach the ways that he will impact the club’s gameplay. He is expected to give advice and share his expertise with the younger members of the AS Monaco team.
Q: What does Pogba say about his injuries?
A: Pogba believes that his injuries are linked to his emotional state.
Q: When is Paul Pogba’s expected return to competition ?
A: Ther is no definitive return date; it will depend on his physical condition and the progress he makes. He hopes to be ready to play in mid-August when AS Monaco plays against Le havre.
