AS Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Sucro has revealed that Paul Pogba’s desire to get back to the highest level and potentially break into France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad was crucial in their desire to sign the 2018 World Cup winner.
Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban for a failed anti-doping test. But it was later reduced to 18 months on appeal. His last outing for Juventus came in a 2-0 Serie A victory over Empoli in September 2023.
Following the completion of his sentence, the former Manchester United midfielder has now signed a two-year contract with Monaco, marking his long awaited return to the game.
Monaco released footage showing the 2018 World Cup winner in tears as he signed his new contract. And the French club’s sporting director Sucro has now opened up on why they chose to sign the 32-year-old.
“He has the desire to play at the next World Cup,” Scuro said. “It was a big part of his motivation. He wants his kids to see him playing at the top level.
“He wants to build his image for his kids also — this was a very, very important trigger that we also found — and again, he’s a top athlete, top player.”
Despite the buzz created by Pogba’s signing, Monaco fans will have to wait a bit before they can see him in action with Sucro confirming a three-month rehabilitation plan for the midfielder.
“I can guarantee you that Paul won’t be able to play against Le Havre. He must have been joking. We have to be realistic and honest,” Scuro said.
“We expect a three-month process to be able to rehabilitate him. When you see it on TV, high-level sport can seem easy, but you have to realise the intensity required.
“Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and in Europe, in terms of play. Our players have to be very fit to be on the pitch. It’s our job to give him the tools to do that.”
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