Emotional Paul Pogba Seals Monaco Return After Doping Ban Reduction

Paul Pogba made an emotional return to professional football on Saturday, signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco. The French midfielder was visibly tearful during the announcement, expressing gratitude with the words "thanks for the trust".

The 32-year-old World Cup winner had been sidelined since receiving a provisional suspension in September 2023 following a random doping test after Juventus' season opener against Udinese. Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) significantly reduced the penalty in October, shortening it to 18 months following a successful appeal. Crucially, CAS confirmed Pogba inadvertently ingested the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which boosts testosterone, while also noting the substance only has an effect on females.

After mutually terminating his Juventus contract in November, Pogba became a free agent in March. His move to Monaco marks his first ever appearance in France's top flight, capping his announcement video with the word "La renaissance" (The rebirth).

Pogba's decorated career includes winning four consecutive Serie A titles during his first spell at Juventus, followed by a then world-record £89 million return to Manchester United in 2016 where he lifted the Europa League and FA Cup. He played a pivotal role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Croatia.

His second stint at Juventus was marred by injuries and inconsistent form before the doping violation halted his career. The Monaco deal offers the 91-cap international a path to reignite his playing days.