Pogba chooses Monaco to return

After nearly 20 months of absence due to a doping penalty, Paul Pogba officially returned to the pitch when he signed a contract with AS Monaco. The agreement between the two parties is for a period of 2 years, lasting until the summer of 2027.

Pogba returns after nearly two full seasons of absence - Photo: REUTERS

Pogba left Juventus in November 2024 after a long period of being unable to play. In August 2023, the French midfielder tested positive for the banned substance DHEA after a match between Juventus and Udinese, although he did not directly play.

Initially, he was banned for four years by the Italian Anti-Doping Agency. However, Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). And in October 2024, his ban was reduced to 18 months.

By the time he signed for Monaco, Pogba had been out of action for over a year and a half. His last appearance was on September 3, 2023, for Juventus, when he came on as a 28-minute substitute against Empoli.

During his ban, Pogba shared his feelings of despair, even thinking about retiring because he didn't know if any club would still want to sign him.

However, with the effort to maintain his fitness and support from his family, this talented but troubled midfielder decided to continue pursuing his career.

In the past six months, Pogba has turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to choose AS Monaco, with the goal of playing at the highest level in the Champions League. Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 last season, earning a ticket to the Champions League.

Financial details were not disclosed, but according to French media, Pogba has accepted a lower salary than the average to play in Europe. He aims to regain his form, compete for a place back in the French national team and hopefully play in the 2026 World Cup.

For Monaco, the signing is symbolic. While Pogba’s form remains a question mark, his experience and class could help the young team go far domestically and continentally.

Before Pogba, Monaco made two notable transfers in the names of Ansu Fati and Eric Dier.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/pogba-chon-monaco-de-tai-xuat-20250625071338392.htm