French media make their feelings clear on Paul Pogba following return to football with Monaco
Paul Pogba completed his much-anticipated move to Ligue 1 side Monaco this week after almost two years away from the game – and large sections of the French media came to the same conclusion.
The 32-year-old, who agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Juventus in November, is looking to revive his career following a lengthy doping ban.
Pogba was suspended after inadvertently taking dehydroepiandrosterone – a banned substance which boosts testosterone and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) banned list. The ruling stated however that DHEA only has an effect on females.
He has since been linked with numerous clubs, including a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
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But the World Cup-winning midfielder turned down numerous approaches to sign a two-year deal with Monaco, where he will play alongside names including Eric Dier, Folarin Balogun, Breel Embolo and Denis Zakaria.
French media react to Pogba's move to Monaco
After sealing his latest move, many French outlets have had their say on Pogba's competitive return.
L'Equipe questioned whether his body can handle elite-level football after injuries and suspension, and while stressing that Pogba's talent is not the issue, they claim the transfer is a gamble from Monaco.
Similar to the above, RMC Sport believe Pogba's physical condition "is the big question mark", adding: “Monaco is not a rehabilitation centre, but Pogba can regain natural leadership if he is ready to fight.”
Pogba's personal fitness coach, Roger Caibe Rodriguez, has played down concerns over his condition as he prepares to play in Ligue 1 for the first time.
Speaking to Le Parisien, Rodriguez said: "He was a bit 'rusty' when he came to me, but full of enthusiasm, eager to show the whole world that he's back, and with a state of mind... his state of mind, after everything he's been through, really, I've never seen anything like it in my entire life."
"Can he be a top player again? 100%. He's smarter now, the way he sees the game, the way he influences it, everything has improved."
Rodriguez added: "He's definitely one of the best players I've ever seen in my life. But he still needs to train with the team... In Miami we only trained with some professionals, some top players, and he was shining in front of them, but it wasn't with a real team."
Le Parisien also claim Pogba is hoping to make a return to the France national team before 2026.
Topics: Paul Pogba, Ligue 1, AS Monaco
Jack Kenmare