Paul Pogba determined to secure 'dream' France return

Paul Pogba determined to secure 'dream' France return

Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba is determined to get back to the 'top level' and wants to secure a 'dream' France return.

The 33-year-old joined Monaco last summer after his 18-month drug ban, reduced from four years, ended.

It was a disappointing return to football, however, Pogba only managed to play 115 minutes across his six games, starting just one.

As a result, he obviously missed out on a place in Didier Deschamps France squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Pogba admitted that a place in the squad wasn’t his aim when he joined Monaco, but that won’t stop him from dreaming.

"I didn't come to Monaco thinking, 'I'm here to play in the World Cup.' It had been a very, very long time since I'd played.

“My goal was simply to get back into competition, to get back in good physical shape, and that's all. Afterwards, if that had been the case, it would have been a bonus."

"I’ve come a long way, so it’s not like I wasn’t expecting it," he admitted.

"What I lacked was rhythm. We’re not going to talk about the technical aspects, because the coaches and players see that in training.

“It’s more about the physical side, especially when you’ve had a string of injuries, including before the suspension (for doping, between 2023 and 2025). I need to feel good.

"That’s what I need to get back to the top level. The French national team is a bonus. For every player, it’s a dream. It’s still my dream to continue wearing that jersey. And you have to earn it."