Paul Pogba says playing for France again would be a 'dream' as he is unveiled at AS Monaco after signing following ban
Published 03/07/2025 at 18:01 GMT+1
Paul Pogba has not played for France since 2022, and admits it would be a "dream" to perform at the highest level again. A combination of injuries and an 18-month suspension for doping has meant a long absence from international football for Pogba. But the 2018 World Cup winner clearly is not giving up on playing for France again, as he was unveiled at new club AS Monaco.
Pogba signing 'great' for Monaco and Ligue 1 as whole - Dier
Video credit: TNT Sports
Paul Pogba admitted it would be a "dream" to return to the France national team as he was unveiled at new club AS Monaco.
Pogba has already written his name into French football folklore, having won 91 caps and helped his country to World Cup glory in Russia in 2018.
He has not played for Les Bleus since March 2022 due to injuries and an 18-month suspension for doping.
But he clearly has not given up on the idea of performing again on the international stage after sealing his return to football.
"It would of course still be a dream and a bonus for me," Pogba said.
"It's the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages.
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"Today I'm at stage one: coming back and performing well. There are spots to be won and you have to earn them because it's a very, very good group, a great team."
Midfielder Pogba has signed a two-year contract with Monaco as he bids to relaunch his career following a turbulent spell with Juventus.
The 32-year-old was banned for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) but had the length of his suspension reduced to 18 months after successfully appealing.
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Paul Pogba helped France to World Cup glory in 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
Pogba has also had two spells at Manchester United in his career and although there were bright spots - like UEFA Europa League success in 2017 under Jose Mourinho - there were plenty of frustrating periods too.
As for France, they have gone close to glory in the last two major tournaments, losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina in Qatar and being knocked out by eventual winners Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Now the aim will be to repeat their 2018 success at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
It will be the last tournament for Didier Deschamps as France manager. Deschamps has made encouraging noises recently about Pogba returning to play at international level.
Pogba signing 'very exciting' for Monaco
Former Tottenham defender Eric Dier was also unveiled as a Monaco player after signing from Bayern Munich.
Dier says he is looking forward to linking up with Pogba, who he played against on several occasions during their respective spells in the Premier League.
"I think it is obviously very exciting for the club, and I think for the French league in general, to have a world champion back playing in the French league, is always something that I think is exciting for the league, and for us, obviously.
"I have played against Paul many times, I know how good he is, I think everyone does.
"It is obviously a very exciting thing for the club and for the team and I am really looking forward to playing with him. I am excited to see him play football again, and to get to see it close as well, is even better.
"I think it will be a great thing for the club, and for the league."
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