Paul Pogba hopeful of making France return after completing Monaco switch

 Paul Pogba hopeful of making France return after completing Monaco switch

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with Monaco as he begins the next chapter of his career in an effort to return to top form. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder was unveiled by the Ligue 1 club on Thursday and made it clear that he still dreams of playing for the French national team again. Now 32 years old, Pogba has not represented France since March 2022 due to a combination of injuries and an 18-month suspension for doping. That ban ended four months ago.

Speaking at his unveiling, Pogba admitted that returning to Les Bleus would be a bonus and remains a personal dream. “It’s the wish of every French football player to represent the national team,” he said. “But there are stages. Today, I’m at stage one  coming back and performing well.” He also acknowledged the competitiveness of the current France squad and emphasized that places have to be earned.

During Pogba’s absence, France reached the World Cup final in 2022, where they narrowly lost to Argentina on penalties. They also made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 but were eliminated by eventual winners Spain. Despite this, Pogba remains hopeful of contributing again on the international stage.

The 2018 World Cup winner has 91 caps and a history of big performances for France. His experience could be an asset if he finds fitness and form with Monaco. This move also marks the first time Pogba will play professional club football in France, which may offer him a fresh environment to rebuild both physically and mentally.

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Pogba’s move to Monaco is more than a typical transfer  it represents a major personal and professional reset after a turbulent few years. Between 2020 and 2024, the midfielder played just 12 matches due to a string of serious injuries, suspension from a failed drug test, and involvement in an extortion scandal in which he was the victim.

In August 2023, Pogba tested positive for a banned substance after a Juventus match. This led to an 18-month suspension and ultimately the termination of his contract with the Italian club. He has been eligible to return to football since March 2024. Meanwhile, his brother Mathias Pogba was convicted and handed a three-year prison sentence, two of which were suspended, for trying to extort €13 million from Paul in 2022.

Despite the setbacks, Pogba has shown determination to make a comeback. With Monaco, he is returning to play club football in his native France for the first time in his professional career. The decision to sign with Monaco appears to be strategic  it offers a familiar cultural setting and a competitive league where he can rebuild his form without the overwhelming spotlight of bigger clubs.

Pogba has enjoyed considerable success in his career. He won four Serie A titles with Juventus and helped Manchester United claim the Europa League in 2017. But his recent years have been defined by off-field troubles and injury frustration.

His focus now is squarely on returning to match fitness and playing regularly again. If he succeeds in doing so, a recall to the French national team  while not guaranteed  could become realistic. Pogba knows it will take hard work, but with Monaco’s support and his own motivation, he is aiming to turn the page on a difficult chapter.