Dreams of Pogba's Return to France Team from Monaco
After a tumultuous few years marked by injuries, suspensions, and an extortion case, football star Paul Pogba is setting his sights on a return to the France national team. The midfielder, who has 91 caps for Les Bleus, recently signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, marking his first professional stint in France’s top division.
Pogba's journey back to the national team has been fraught with challenges. In August 2023, he failed a drugs test after a match for Juventus, leading to an 18-month ban (reduced from four years). This suspension, coupled with recurring injuries, resulted in his release from the Italian club last year.
Now, Pogba is at what he describes as “stage one” of his comeback, focusing on returning to competitive football and regaining form for Monaco. His last appearance for France was in March 2022, and he acknowledges that earning a spot back in the national team will require strong club performances and patience, given the competition for places in France’s midfield.
Pogba's prospects for a France return hinge on several factors. He must remain injury-free and consistently perform at a high level for Monaco to capture the attention of national team selectors. The current France squad is highly competitive, especially in midfield, so Pogba will need to outperform rivals for selection. With the contract running until 2027, Pogba has a window to prove himself ahead of major tournaments, though immediate inclusion is unlikely given his recent inactivity.
In the meantime, France has continued to thrive without Pogba. The team reached the final of the 2022 World Cup, ultimately losing to Argentina on penalties, with Lionel Messi being a key player. Pogba's absence was felt, but his teammates demonstrated resilience and determination, setting a high bar for any returning player to meet.
As Pogba embarks on this new chapter with AS Monaco, he remains optimistic about his prospects for a France return. However, he acknowledges the process will be gradual and dependent on his performances at the club level after a long absence from football. With his talent and determination, Pogba is eager to revive his career at Monaco and reclaim his place among France's elite players.
Pogba aims to regain his form with AS Monaco, participating in European leagues, to bolster his chances of rejoining the French national team, particularly the premier league squad. As he works through "stage one" of his comeback, his focus lies on demonstrating consistency and high performance for Monaco, intriguing national team selectors amidst the intense competition within France's midfield.
