Ex-Juventus and France star midfielder made his return to soccer, suiting up for Monaco in first sport in over two years after medicine ban.
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Paul Pogba described his emotional Monaco debut as a second of reduction and gratitude on Saturday after the French midfielder returned to the pitch for the primary time in additional than two years following a doping ban.
The previous Juventus and Manchester United participant, who joined the Ligue 1 aspect on a free switch in June, had not performed a aggressive match since September 2023.
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Pogba obtained a four-year ban in February 2024 after testing constructive for banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone ranges. The suspension was minimize to 18 months after an attraction on the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport.
The 32-year-old, who was nearing a return final month earlier than struggling a proper ankle harm, got here on within the eighty fifth minute of Monaco’s 4-1 defeat by Rennes at Roazhon Park and was met with a standing ovation.
“Seeing the group rise and applaud, I by no means imagined that might occur,” Pogba advised reporters. “I’m relieved to be taking part in soccer once more, the factor I really like most on the planet.
“However there’s nonetheless work to do to get again to full health and be capable to play 90 minutes… If I don’t carry out properly at Monaco, I can neglect in regards to the French nationwide group.
“I consider in myself and in my qualities, and since I knew I had achieved nothing mistaken and it was not my fault, I by no means misplaced hope.”
Pogba, who has made 91 appearances for France, performed a starring position in his nation’s 2018 FIFA World Cup victory. Knee and hamstring accidents, in addition to knee surgical procedure, prevented him taking part in for France on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
