Monaco release Pogba after injury-plagued spell

Monaco is set to release French midfielder Paul Pogba, citing a series of injuries and his previous doping ban as reasons for the decision. The club announced on Wednesday that the objectives set for the 33-year-old player had been "only partially achieved," leading to the termination of his contract, which was originally slated to extend until June 2027.

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the objectives they had set for Pogba were “only partially achieved” and the Ligue 1 club were, therefore, ending his contract that would have run until June 2027.

Pogba, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, has faced significant challenges in returning to his previous elite level since serving a ban for doping. He is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, having recently recovered from a knee problem. Despite these setbacks, Monaco acknowledged Pogba's "remarkable mindset, determination and unwavering high standards," noting his positive influence on the squad through sharing his experience, even while injured.

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Monaco paid tribute to the player’s “remarkable mindset, determination and unwavering high standards” and said even when injured, he had had a positive influence on the Monaco squad by “sharing his experience and know-how” with the other players.

In a statement, Pogba conceded that he had not played as many matches for Monaco as he had hoped, featuring in only six Ligue 1 games last season for a total of 115 minutes. He expressed gratitude to the club's president, management, teammates, staff, and supporters.

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I have not played as many matches for Monaco as I had hoped.

Pogba's career has been marked by success, including 233 appearances for Manchester United across two spells and four Serie A titles with Juventus. However, his career was significantly impacted when he tested positive for testosterone in 2023. Despite his defense that the substance was in a doctor-prescribed supplement, he received a four-year ban, later reduced to 18 months on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. After serving the ban, he joined Monaco last year.

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I thanked the “president, management, teammates, all the staff as well as all the supporters who believed.