Paul Pogba played the final part of Monaco's Ligue 1 clash against Rennes which was his first appearance since September 2023
Paul Pogba has opened up on his emotions after making his debut for AS Monaco in a 4-1 defeat
Paul Pogba has opened up on his emotions after making his debut for AS Monaco in a 4-1 defeat
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Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has finally made his long-awaited debut for Monaco, but he was thrown into a disastrous scenario with his side 4-0 down. The Frenchman has not played competitive football for two years having been hit with a four-year doping ban that was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal.
After 811 days without playing, Pogba can now again class himself as an active footballer with a brief but likely very rewarding 10-minute cameo arriving on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, Monaco found themselves being thrashed 4-0 by Rennes when Pogba was brought on.
Ex-Arsenal striker Mika Biereth reduced the deficit deep into added time. However, by that point goals from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo and Ludovic Bias had put Rennes in complete control.
As for Pogba, he managed to touch the ball 17 times and make 14 accurate passes from 15 attempts. Defensively, he made two ball recoveries and one interception.
The World Cup winner has now spoken on how he was feeling after missing over two years because of his ban and the proceeding fitness problems.
In the mixed zone, quoted by RMC Sport, Pogba said: "I was disappointed to lose this match. It's Paul Pogba's return, but I play for Monaco, and I don't like losing.
"I was really happy on one hand, but on the other, I was disappointed with the result and what we did on the pitch.
"It touched me, the reception. Seeing the crowd stand up and applaud, I wasn't expecting that. A big thank you to the fans who personally supported me.
"The feeling was good, I wanted to bring good energy, not concede a goal, enjoy myself, it's been a long time. I'm relieved to be back playing football, what I love most in the world. There's still work to do to get back to full fitness."
Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli had hinted at a return for Pogba in his press conference ahead of the game. He said: “We have a session today [Friday] so we’ll see. If it goes well, he can be there. He has had a run of sessions, and the feedback is positive. He has been able to test himself in match conditions. There are good signs."
(Image: (Photo by Dave Winter/Shutterstock))
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It would not have been the return to football Pogba would have likely been dreaming of, but just to be back playing the sport he loves will have almost certainly arrived as a hugely significant moment.
Pogba will now be looking to increase his load over the coming weeks and also play in the Champions League for the first time in over three-and-a-half years.
Monaco take on Cypriot side Pafos next Tuesday as they look to build on the five points already achieved from four matches. Pogba's side then face reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain that weekend.
Upon signing for the French club as a free agent in June 2025, Pogba was handed a dedicated training plan to get him up to speed. His comeback looked set to arrive against Paris FC earlier this month but a minor injury delayed his return.