Paul Pogba’s Journey: A Bittersweet Reflection
In Monaco, Paul Pogba grapples with the bittersweet notion of what could have been as his current team faces a significant confrontation in the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City. Had he opted for a different trajectory, Pogba could have suited up for City, who expressed interest in acquiring him after his departure from Manchester United in 2022. The experienced midfielder, however, is now at AS Monaco, hoping to rejuvenate his career following a lengthy break from competitive football that spans over two years.
Pogba’s Tumultuous Journey
Pogba’s journey since leaving United has been tumultuous. Upon parting ways with Old Trafford, where he was a high-profile signing for a then-record fee of £89.3 million, he moved back to Juventus. Conversely, his time at Juve was marred by injuries that limited his impact on the pitch, and eventually, a failed drugs test in September 2023 led to a four-year ban. Thankfully for him, a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw his suspension reduced to 18 months, which allows him a potential return in March 2025.
This summer, Pogba signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco after mutually terminating his Juventus contract. Now 32 years old, he finds himself in a rehabilitation phase, striving to regain his fitness after a staggering 759-day hiatus. His last competitive appearance was as a substitute in a match against Empoli, and as such, he will not participate in the upcoming game against City, with Monaco management stipulating that he requires at least three months of training before making his competitive return.
Coaching Insights and Future Aspirations
Monaco head coach Adi Hütter acknowledged Pogba’s progress in a recent press conference, revealing that while there were hopes he might return for a match against Nice, those expectations are being adjusted. Pogba is currently involved in light training and small-sided games, with plans to ramp up his activities in the coming weeks. Positive signs have emerged, and Hütter remains optimistic that Pogba could join the squad following the international break, contingent upon maintaining his upward trajectory in fitness.
Despite the challenges, Pogba entertains aspirations of reinstatement to the French national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Yet, the path ahead is long and uncertain. His past glories, particularly his standout performance against Manchester City in April 2018—the night he scored twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory—serve as bittersweet reminders of his potential. During that match, Pogba showcased a blend of physical prowess and technical skill that once made him one of the most coveted players in football.
Reflections on His Time at United
However, his time at United was fraught with inconsistent form, often resulting in tension with coach José Mourinho, leading to strained relations and notable incidents, including a public altercation during training. The culmination of these conflicts became evident on the day Mourinho was dismissed, when Pogba appeared to mock the situation through a social media post.
After Mourinho’s departure, Pogba once again found his form, contributing to a successful season under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Yet, his positive trajectory was short-lived, and since leaving United, he has managed a mere 12 appearances in senior competitions.
A New Chapter with AS Monaco
Significantly, upon signing with Monaco, Pogba expressed gratitude for the renewed faith bestowed upon him, feeling that the football community had largely deserted him amid his recent challenges. As he embarks on this new chapter and aims for a revival, all eyes will be on him—especially as Monaco prepares for a notable match against a team that once sought his talents and imagination on the pitch. As Pogba aims for a comeback, he genuinely hopes that his professional renaissance can rekindle his status among the sport’s elite.
