Paul Pogba revealed a humorous conversation with France national team coach Didier Deschamps during his unveiling as a Monaco player on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The 32-year-old midfielder, who signed a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club, is making a much-anticipated comeback after nearly two years away from the game due to a doping suspension and injuries. His press conference, filled with both sentiment and wit, offered fans a glimpse into his renewed passion for the sport and his dreams of returning to the French national team.
Pogba, a 2018 World Cup winner with 91 caps for Les Bleus, has not represented France since March 2022, largely due to an 18-month doping ban that was reduced from an initial four years and ended in March 2025. His move to Monaco marks the first time he will play in Ligue 1, despite coming through the youth ranks at Le Havre before moving to Manchester United and Juventus. During his presentation alongside Monaco teammates Eric Dier and Ansu Fati, Pogba spoke candidly about his aspirations, his emotional journey, and a playful exchange with Deschamps that left the room in stitches.
“I spoke to Didier Deschamps on the phone, and he told me, ‘It’s fine, you’ve signed for Monaco, you can come back whenever you want’—I’m joking, of course!” Pogba said with a grin, as reported by RMC Sport and other outlets. The quip, delivered with his characteristic charisma, underscored his lighthearted approach to the serious topic of reclaiming his spot in the French squad. While joking about Deschamps’ words, Pogba quickly clarified that returning to the national team remains a dream. “It’s the wish of every French footballer to represent the France national team, but there are stages,” he added, acknowledging the hard work ahead to prove his fitness and form.
The former Manchester United and Juventus star’s return to football has been anything but straightforward. After testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance, in August 2023, Pogba faced a tumultuous period that included injuries, an extortion case involving his brother, and the mutual termination of his Juventus contract in November 2024. His emotional signing with Monaco, captured in a video where he was seen wiping tears as he put pen to paper, marked a turning point. “There were so many images that came into my mind,” Pogba told Get French Football News. “The doping story, my injuries… It’s very rare to see me cry like that, so I hope you enjoyed it.”
Pogba’s arrival at Monaco, a club aiming to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title after finishing third last season, has generated significant buzz. French media, including RMC Sport, have raised questions about his physical condition after such a long absence, with some describing it as “the big question mark.” However, Pogba’s personal fitness coach, Roger Caibe Rodriguez, has dismissed concerns, praising the midfielder’s physical transformation and readiness to compete. Pogba himself expressed gratitude to Monaco for their trust, stating, “I’m at a very good club with very good players and good energy, so I’m just grateful.”
The midfielder’s potential debut against Le Havre, his formative club, on August 17, adds a poetic layer to his comeback story. As he aims to rediscover his flamboyant playing style and leadership on the pitch, Pogba is also eyeing a return to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. French football analyst Julien Durand believes it’s within reach, noting that Deschamps holds Pogba in high regard. “He has the cards in his hand,” Durand told Transfermarkt, suggesting that consistent performances at Monaco could pave the way for an international recall.
For now, Pogba’s focus is on settling into Ligue 1 and contributing to Monaco’s ambitions, both domestically and in the Champions League. His former teammate Eric Dier, also unveiled by Monaco, expressed excitement about Pogba’s return, saying, “I know how good he is. I’m excited to see him play football again, and to get to see it close is even better.”