### Paul Pogba's Emotional Return to Football: Signing with AS Monaco After Doping Ban Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old French midfielder and 2018 World Cup winner, has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking his return to competitive football after an 18-month doping ban. The former Manchester United and Juventus player was provisionally suspended following a positive drugs test in September 2023, which was later reduced from a four-year ban on appeal. His emotional signing was a significant moment, as he expressed relief and hope for a fresh start in his career, which has been marred by injuries and controversies over the past few years [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/tearful-pogba-signs-monaco-deal-after-doping-ban.html, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14856719/Paul-Pogba-Man-United-Monaco-doping-ban.html]. ### Overview of Pogba's Career and Recent Developments 1. **Background of Doping Ban**: - Pogba was suspended after a random drug test following Juventus' opening match of the 2023-24 season against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban, it was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal [https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/ligue-1-paul-pogba-returns-to-professional-football-as-new-as-monaco-signing-2747776-2025-06-29, https://www.apnews.com/article/pogba-monaco-ligue1-d5769d4c3d693d0c31aae77321e7e1ad]. 2. **Contract with AS Monaco**: - Pogba signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco on a free transfer, aiming to revive his career and return to form [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/06/29/pogba-joins-monaco-after-serving-doping-ban, https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/paul-pogba-joins-monaco-on-two-year-deal-MLOREXVQ3FK6ZNTQ5S7W32EAZM]. 3. **Emotional Signing**: - The signing ceremony was marked by Pogba's tears, reflecting the emotional weight of his return to football after a challenging period [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/pogba-tears-french-star-returns-football-monaco-3928421, https://www.newscentral.africa/emotional-pogba-signs-for-monaco-after-doping-ban]. 4. **Future Aspirations**: - Pogba aims to regain his top form and potentially rejoin the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Monaco providing a platform for his comeback [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/ligue-1/articles-video/kylian-mbappé-back-paul-pogba-s-move-to-as-monaco-2025-06-25, https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/two-years-out-can-paul-pogba-achieve-france-world-cup-dream-with-monaco-move-imminent-/view/news/455948]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Details**: - **Duration**: Two years - **Club**: AS Monaco - **Transfer Type**: Free transfer - **Last Competitive Appearance**: September 2023 [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/pogba-signs-2-year-deal-with-monaco-to-relaunch-20398737.php, https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/paul-pogba-transfer-confirmed-ex-31954106]. - **Career Challenges**: - **Injuries**: Limited to only 12 appearances over the last three seasons. - **Doping Ban**: Initially four years, reduced to 18 months. - **Extortion Case**: Involved as a victim, adding to his challenges [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/06/29/pogba-joins-monaco-after-serving-doping-ban, https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/paul-pogba-monaco-doping-ban-relaunch-career-10094773]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Pogba In summary, **Paul Pogba's signing with AS Monaco represents a pivotal moment in his career**, allowing him to return to professional football after a tumultuous period marked by a doping ban and injuries. His emotional response during the signing highlights the significance of this opportunity for him. 1. **Background**: Pogba's doping ban and its implications. 2. **Contract**: Details of his new deal with AS Monaco. 3. **Emotional Impact**: The significance of his return. 4. **Future Goals**: Aiming for a comeback to the national team. This new chapter in Pogba's career is filled with potential, and fans will be watching closely as he seeks to reclaim his status in the football world [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/tearful-pogba-signs-monaco-deal-after-doping-ban.html, https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45511464/paul-pogba-completes-transfer-monaco-ahead-return-action].