Paul Pogba to leave Monaco after injury-plagued year

Paul Pogba's tenure at AS Monaco is set to end after a single, injury-plagued season. The French international, who joined the club last year with hopes of a comeback, will not have his contract extended, according to Nice-Matin. Pogba's return to football was already a significant hurdle, having been sidelined for over two years due to a doping suspension and personal issues.

He finally played his first match for Monaco on November 22, over two years since his last appearance. While he expressed relief at being back on the field, he acknowledged the extensive work still needed to reach full match fitness. "I am relieved to have returned to football, what I love most in the world. But there is still work to do to get back in shape and be able to play 90 minutes," he stated in November.

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I am relieved to have returned to football, what I love most in the world. But there is still work to do to get back in shape and be able to play 90 minutes.

Pogba's season was repeatedly hampered by physical setbacks. A muscular alert in his right thigh in October was followed by an ankle sprain just weeks later. This same ankle had previously required surgery after an injury with Manchester United in 2019. His coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, acknowledged the challenges but praised Pogba's "great strength of character," "aura," and "experience," believing they could still provide leadership.

Despite the physical struggles, Pogba received a touching ovation from the Rennes crowd when he entered the game in the 85th minute of a match on November 22. "It really touched me, I didn't expect that," he admitted. He also made brief appearances against PSG and Brest before his season was cut short.

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It really touched me, I didn't expect that.