Paul Pogba: France star 'gutted' despite making long-awaited comeback as Monaco thrashed at Rennes - 'It felt strange'
Published 22/11/2025 at 21:28 GMT
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It has been more than two years since World Cup winner and former Manchester United record signing Paul Pogba took to the field for a competitive match. Finally, he made his long-awaited return from a doping ban for Monaco in Ligue 1 on Saturday, coming as an 85th-minute substitute against Rennes. The 32-year-old has set his sights on getting back to full fitness in the coming weeks.
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Paul Pogba admitted "it felt strange" to be back in action after he made his first competitive appearance since September 2023.
The 32-year-old, whose four-year doping ban was reduced to 19 months, was introduced as a second-half substitute in Monaco's 4-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Rennes on Saturday.
And he spoke of his "emotions" following his long-awaited return.
"There were a lot of emotions. I was happy, but there's a bit of sadness with the result," he told Ligue 1+.
"We've come a long way. Today was a step to take. I did it, and I'm happy about that. As for the rest, we're a bit gutted to have lost.
"I feel good; there's been a lot of hard work. I still need time to get fit and play 90 minutes. But that will come with time. We're training for it. We're going to try to help the team as much as possible.
"It felt strange at first to be back on the plane with the group. I've settled in well. We have a very good group. We're getting back into the right routine."
Pogba, who has 91 caps for France and was a key player in the 2018 World Cup success, also discussed the potential of a return to the national team fold ahead of next year's tournament in the USA and Mexico.
"The objectives? In the short term, to get back to 100%, play 90 minutes, and contribute as much as possible to my team," he said. "Today, it's about playing with my team.
"The World Cup is a long way off. Today, there's step 1, step 2. If I were to do the World Cup, it would be a bonus."
On his chances of featuring against French champions Paris Saint-Germain next weekend, Pogba added: "It depends on the coach. I'll do everything I can to be there and help the team."
Pogba made just two appearances for Juventus in the 2023/24 season, before leaving the club my mutual consent in November 2024.
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He was without a club for several months before joining Monaco on a free transfer in June.
The former Manchester United midfielder tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone in February 2024 after a doping test in August 2023, though he insisted he had unknowingly taken a supplement that contained the banned substance.
Pogba has been eased back into action by Monaco following his arrival, requiring an intensive training program to get back up to speed with the rigours of top flight football.
And manager Sebastien Pocognoli has backed him to be a success in the principality.
"He has the qualities to adapt to what we want to implement in midfield - he hasn't lost his vision or his technique," the Monaco boss said.
"[He will bring] experience and leadership, both on and off the pitch, not to mention his qualities, which will need to adapt to the pace of competition."
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