"I have always loved and will always love Juventus," Pogba said on 3/7 during his AS Monaco unveiling. "This club helped me become who I am today. I don't want to fight with anyone. There are things I like and things I don't like. But that's life."
The 32-year-old midfielder revealed that many Juventus teammates and staff members called and offered support after the doping incident, including chairman Andrea Agnelli and former center-back Giorgio Chiellini. "Some teammates did too. But many others didn't," he added with bitterness. "There are many ways to treat each other. Some didn't even call me. I went through two years of isolation."
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Paul Pogba shows off his number 8 jersey during his AS Monaco presentation. Photo: AS Monaco |
Paul Pogba shows off his number 8 jersey during his AS Monaco presentation. Photo: AS Monaco
Pogba has been out of action since 9/2023, after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA. In 2/2024, an Italian court imposed a four-year ban on the French midfielder. However, in 10/2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced it to 18 months.
Pogba repeatedly insisted that he unknowingly ingested the banned substance and even contemplated retirement. Despite the reduced ban, Juventus terminated his contract in 11/2024, leaving him a free agent.
Pogba declined lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to join Monaco on a two-year contract. His goal is to compete for a spot in the French national team for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico.
"Playing for the French national team is the desire of every French footballer, but there are stages," Pogba said. "Today, I'm in stage one, which is returning and playing well. There are positions to be won and you have to work hard because it's a very, very great team."
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Ansu Fati poses during his AS Monaco presentation. Photo: AS Monaco |
Ansu Fati poses during his AS Monaco presentation. Photo: AS Monaco
On 3/7, Monaco also introduced two other prominent signings: center-back Eric Dier from Bayern Munich on a free transfer and midfielder Ansu Fati from Barcelona on loan with an option to buy.
"Pogba's arrival at Monaco is a very exciting deal for the club and for Ligue 1," said Dier, who previously played for Tottenham in the Premier League. "I've played against Pogba many times, so I know how good he is. I'm delighted to see him back, and to witness it firsthand is even more wonderful."
Similarly, Fati said he has idolized Pogba since his time at La Masia and playing alongside the French midfielder is a dream come true. "Hopefully we will have a great year together to help the club return to its rightful place," the 22-year-old expressed.
Hong Duy (Sportmediaset, ESPN)
