After what feels like an eternity, Paul Pogba is finally set to step back onto the pitch.
The French midfielder, once a global superstar, has described the 808 days away from competitive football as “a time of darkness and hell.”
This Saturday, Monaco will host Rennes at Roazhon Park, marking the end of a long and painful exile.
From Juventus Glory to Doping Ban
Pogba’s last professional appearance came with Juventus in a 2-0 win against Empoli, a brief 23-minute cameo that would precede his world turning upside down.
Soon after, he tested positive for the banned substance DHEA and was slapped with a four-year suspension.
The midfielder later revealed he had taken nutritional supplements supplied by a Miami-based doctor, unaware they contained testosterone.
The ban thrust Pogba into the football wilderness, away from fans, the game he loved, and public life, leaving the former Manchester United star in a state of professional and personal limbo.
A Glimmer of Hope: Ban Reduced
Everything changed in October 2024 when Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months.
He recalls the moment vividly: “I was trying on a new suit for a film premiere when my wife handed me the phone, shouting it was the lawyer.
I went downstairs in the suit and got the news. I was in shock. Quickly that happiness turned into determination.
A time of darkness, but my second chance had arrived.”
This reduction meant he could return to football in March 2025, igniting speculation about where he would land.
Rumors ranged from the Saudi league to the United States, with Japan even mentioned as a possibility.
Choosing Monaco Over Other Clubs
Southern French club Marseille was initially considered.
Sporting director Medhi Benatia admitted they explored the idea: “We thought about signing Pogba.
The problem was fitness—bringing him in too early could upset the squad balance.”
Ultimately, Pogba signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, roughly 136 miles east of Marseille.
The World Cup winner broke down in tears at the announcement.
“Today I am very happy to be at AS Monaco and return to the job I love.
There were moments of doubt, but my wife and family pushed me to keep going.
Signing for a club is the first objective; now it’s time to get back into shape.”
Setbacks and Delays
Monaco were cautious about Pogba’s return, predicting an October debut.
Unfortunately, a muscle injury days before a match against Angers and a subsequent ankle issue delayed him further.
Fans waited patiently as the midfielder navigated these last hurdles.
Now, reports from L’Equipe indicate that his long-awaited debut will finally come this Saturday against Rennes.
The Road Ahead
Pogba’s comeback will not just be about minutes on the pitch—it’s about proving doubters wrong.
Questions remain about whether he will regain his former brilliance, but his hunger, determination, and love for football are undeniable.
After a journey marked by adversity, the Frenchman is ready to write the next chapter of his career.
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