Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to football by starting for Monaco against Metz at the weekend, but the former Manchester United star has opened up about his mental turmoil.
Pogba faces a long battle to return to the starting lineup (Image: Getty Images)
Paul Pogba has opened up about the mental difficulties he is facing as he tries to find his way back to football. The French midfielder has endured a nightmare period since leaving Old Trafford.
Pogba’s return to his old club Juventus was marred by injury, making just 12 appearances for the Italian side. He then received a provisional suspension in September 2023 after failing a regular drug test.
Pogba was given a four-year suspension, which was eventually reduced to 18 months. Pogba, now 33, is trying to get his career back on track in Monaco, France.
However, things have not gone according to plan so far, with the midfielder sidelined through injury, making just six appearances in his new club. Pogba, who finally made his first start since his suspension, spoke candidly about how difficult his time away from the pitch was.
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In an interview with Ligue 1 Plus, he said: “Honestly, there were times when I was like, ‘I’m done, I’m so nervous.’” I do everything, I come, I get here, and it doesn’t stop, it just keeps going.
“I was thinking, ‘What more do I have to do to avoid all of this?’ And the truth is, it takes time and patience. It takes patience to keep going and not give up.”
Pogba praised those around him for getting him through this difficult period. He added: “I was lucky that I had people around me, whether it was family or close friends, who were like, ‘What are you talking about?'” Whether it’s on social media or when you arrive at the stadium, seeing the message will bring applause. ”
Pogba’s future is still up in the air. He has just over a year left on his contract at Stade Louis II, but has vowed to not be satisfied with just playing matches.
Pogba returns to the starting lineup against Metz (Image: Getty Images)
He said, “I can’t stop here. I want to give that love and joy back to people.”
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro confirmed earlier this season that negotiations would take place over his future. He said: “Paul was all about performance first and foremost. It’s performance, the first step.
“Paul is a very talented player and is in a different league to the Ligue 1 we are used to. He is coming back from two years without playing and we knew it would be difficult to get him back.”
“Of course, he also has an impact in terms of the league, the visibility of AS Monaco, commercial revenue and so on. But as everyone knows, for everything to work well, the player has to perform on the pitch. Ultimately, we started this process in the summer with very high expectations.”
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