Paul Pogba is back after his doping ban and injuries.
Former football world champion Paul Pogba has made his first professional appearance in over two years.
The 32-year-old was substituted by coach Sébastien Pocognoli in the 85th minute of AS Monaco’s 1:4 defeat against Stade Rennes on matchday 13 of Ligue 1. His introduction was met with standing ovations from the audience in Roazhon Park, and the spectators also cheered his first touches of the ball.
The midfielder, for whom Manchester United paid a transfer fee of 105 million euros in 2016, last played on September 3, 2023. This was followed by a two-year doping ban and injuries.
Pogba moved to Monaco in the summer. The 91-time international has been eligible to play again since March after his suspension for a too high testosterone level.
Curiously, Pogba made his debut in the first league of his home country at a ripe football age on Saturday. After training in the youth academy of Le Havre, he moved to Manchester United and later to Turin. Only his career slump brought him to Ligue 1.
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