Patrice Evra exclusive: I'm so happy for Pogba; my big wish for him now

Posted Monday, December 15, 2025 by tribalfootball

Patrice Evra is eager to see Paul Pogba return to his best at AS Monaco.

Ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 blockbuster between Monaco and Olympique Marseille, Evra spoke to Tribalfootball.com about his former Manchester United and Juventus teammate.

Pogba has fought back after two years being sidelined due to a doping ban and injury. The midfielder also endured a blackmail plot.

Asked about seeing his good friend back on the pitch, Evra said: "Paul is my little brother. Paul is someone I really protect and admire. I remember when I got criticised for defending him so much when he was at United.

"I know the kid. I know how much he has suffered. People don't realise how difficult it was for him with the doping issue. We are human beings.

"That's why when he signed that contract for Monaco, he was crying because in his head he was like, maybe I'm going to never play football. With Paul, all his life is football. That's what he wants to do.

"No matter what, people will talk about his haircut, his dancing, but football is everything for Paul."

Evra is now hoping Pogba can stay injury free and begin enjoying himself again.

He continued: "So I'm so glad he's back on the pitch. Now we need to protect his body. I don't want him to get injured.

"I don't even care about him coming back to his level. Right now, I just want him to be fit because I know if he's fit and he plays 10 games in a row, 90 minutes, I will say Pogba is back.

"But right now people have to give him time. They are already talking about how he's going to play at the World Cup in America or whatever. But Paul has to just stay fit.

"Now, I just want to make sure he's healthy. He's my brother, he had a tough time. A lot of people saw him as a disease when he got that doping ban, so he doesn't forget that. I wish him well. I want him to stay healthy and fit and enjoy your football."

-Patrice Evra was speaking to Tribalfootball0on behalf of Stake0