Paul Pogba 'super determined' to get back in shape as new Monaco signing explains the difficulty he faces after 'being on my own for two years'

Pogba has officially signed a two-year contract with Monaco, marking his emotional return to football after nearly two years out of competitive action. The 32-year-old was suspended following a doping ban and had his Juventus contract terminated during this period. Pogba broke down in tears while signing for Monaco, citing a deep emotional connection to the club’s offer and a fresh start in Ligue 1. During an interview while speaking to the club's media, Pogba reaffirmed that he is 'super determined' to get back into shape as new Monaco signing explains the difficulty he faces after 'being on my own for two years'.

The French international’s career has been severely disrupted by injury and suspension over the past three years, with the former World Cup winner playing only 161 minutes of football since 2022. Having missed the 2022 World Cup and gone through a turbulent time with Juventus, the midfielder now faces a long road back to full match fitness. Monaco, who finished third in Ligue 1 and will play in the Champions League, offer him both a competitive platform and a chance to rebuild in his home country.

Speaking for the first time since officially signing with Monaco, Pogba admitted that rebuilding his fitness will take time, but he’s eager to begin.

"There are stages. That's the first, just getting back into it, that feeling of being on the football pitch. Then, getting back in the best shape possible to help the team as best I can," he told club media. "Of course, being on my own for two years... Training is not the same as being with a group. There will be a personalieed program to get back into it. I feel good. My head is positive and I'm super determined. I can't wait to be with the group, to play, to get back on the pitch."

Pogba also explained why Monaco felt like the right move at the right time, highlighting both the sporting project and the emotional pull of returning to France.

"I really liked the project," he said. "The conditions, the city, being in France, playing in Ligue 1, something I've never done. There were so many conditions and boxes that were ticked. The family, the history of the club... It was perfect, it came at the right time. It was the right choice."

Pogba will begin a personalised training program with Monaco's staff focused on gradually building match fitness. Although he trained at Le Havre, this will be Pogba's first stint in Ligue 1, a fact not lost on the former Juventus and Manchester United star, who spoke glowingly of the French top flight.

He added: "I'm excited. It's true that I've never played in Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has always been a league I've respected, with a lot of great players and players with high potential. I think the best talent in the world today comes from France. Coming to play in this league is a pleasure and an honour for me."