PogbaReturns: Former Man Utd star breaks silence after Monaco debut

Paul Pogba has made his much-anticipated debut for Monaco as the former Manchester United midfielder features in Monaco’s 4-0 defeat at Rennes

Pogba has not appeared in a competitive football match for two years following a four-year doping suspension that was subsequently cut to 18 months on appeal.

Strikes from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo and Ludovic Bias had placed Rennes firmly in the driving seat before former Arsenal forward Mika Biereth pulled one back deep into stoppage time.

Despite the disappointment, Pogba had a 10-minute cameo appearance on Saturday night.

Monaco’s French midfielder Paul Pogba gestures at the end of the match between Stade Rennais FC and AS Monaco. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP via Getty Images)

Pogba during that time registered 17 touches and completed 14 passes from 15 attempts. In defensive terms, he recorded two ball recoveries and one interception.

Speaking in the mixed zone, as reported by RMC Sport, Pogba said: “I was disappointed to lose this match. It’s Paul Pogba’s return, but I play for Monaco, and I don’t like losing. I was really happy on one hand, but on the other, I was disappointed with the result and what we did on the pitch.

“It touched me, the reception. Seeing the crowd stand up and applaud, I wasn’t expecting that. A big thank you to the fans who personally supported me.

Paul POGBA during the Ligue 1 match between Rennes and Monaco. (Photo by Anthony Bibard/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

“The feeling was good, I wanted to bring good energy, not concede a goal, enjoy myself, it’s been a long time. I’m relieved to be back playing football, what I love most in the world. There’s still work to do to get back to full fitness.”

Pogba will now be hoping to step up his involvement over the forthcoming weeks and also feature in the Champions League for the first time in more than three-and-a-half years.

Monaco face Cypriot outfit Pafos next Tuesday as they aim to build upon the five points already secured from four fixtures. Pogba’s team then take on defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain that weekend.