Paul Pogba's emotional response as ex-Man Utd star returns to football after two years

Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba broke down in tears after signing a contract with Monaco, ending his two-year absence from football. Pogba, 32, last played a competitive match for Juventus in September 2023, the start date of an 18-month ban for a doping offence which the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted was 'not intentional'.

The midfielder was initially given a four-year suspension which was later reduced upon appeal, allowing him to return to football in March of this year. Last November, Juventus and Pogba mutually agreed to terminate his contract which ran until 2026.

After eight months without a club, the Frenchman has finally found a new employer after being linked with moves to the Saudi Pro Leagueand Major League Soccer. Pogba has joined Monaco on a two-year deal and is set to wear the No.8 shirt.

The 32-year-old will play in Ligue 1 for the first time in his career, having come through the ranks at United before moving to Juventus in 2012. Pogba returned to Old Trafford for £89million four years later before making the same move back to Turin.

Monaco marks a fresh start for the 91-time France international, who hopes to represent his country at the World Cup next summer. Announcing his arrival on Saturday, Monaco released a video of Pogba visibly overcome with emotion as he signed the paperwork.

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A tear dropped down on the contract, as Pogba wiped his eyes and thanked those involved in the transfer for their 'trust'. In the replies section, United legend Rio Ferdinand posted: "Real," with a red heart emoji.

Pogba is yet to give an interview to club media, although the the ex-Red Devils star spoke to French broadcaster TF1 ahead of his move to the Principality.

"I'm mentally and physically ready, and I'm eager to start again," Pogba declared. "In fact, despite my age, I'm like a kid. I still like playing with the ball, dribbling.

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"I've become that kid again that I was at Roissy-en-Brie, who wants to start his career. I think about it, I wonder how it's going to go, like a young person entering the training centre for the first time. Everything will depend on me."

Pogba also criticised Juventus for not helping him maintain his fitness while he was still under contract with the Italian giants. "At the time, I asked for help, for example, treatment or a physical trainer, because I was still part of Juventus," he explained.

"But I didn't even get that. They weren't really with me. And feeling that, it hit me hard. I didn't understand, I wasn't at war with them."

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