Paul Pogba preparing to deliver 'great' version of himself and admits he will not make Monaco debut until standards seen at Man Utd & Juventus are met

After Pogba served a doping ban, which was reduced to 18 months from four years on appeal, the midfielder signed for Monaco earlier this summer. But after being out of the game for nearly two years, the 32-year-old wants to make sure he reaches the heights he achieved at United and Juventus before rushing back into action.

He told BeIN Sports: "That's the first thing we said when I arrived. There are stages, for me, it's about preparing well. I don't want to come onto the pitch and not be me, not be Paul Pogba. Everyone is waiting for that, to see a great Paul Pogba on the pitch. That's what I'm preparing for."

Former France international Pogba admitted he nearly retired from football during his ban, so for him to be preparing for a second chance at the game is a huge boost. Regardless of how it goes for him at the French team, it is clear he is relishing being back in football.

"I feel very good, the staff are taking very good care of me, it's only a matter of time to be in top form. It's what I love most in the world, I'm like a kid," he added.

2018 World Cup winner Pogba could make his long-awaited return to football when Monaco begin their Ligue 1 campaign at home to Le Havre on Saturday, August 16. It remains to be seen how prominent a role he will have in his new team.