Pogba Rejects Departure Rumors Following Long-Awaited Injury Comeback With AS Monaco

Paul Pogba dismisses exit rumors at AS Monaco, insisting he is there for the "long run" after making his injury comeback against Paris FC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Get French Football News

A Bittersweet Return to the Pitch

Paul Pogba made his highly anticipated return to professional football on Friday evening, though the result failed to match the personal milestone. The former Manchester United and Juventus star entered the match as a 70th-minute substitute during AS Monaco’s 4-1 defeat against Paris FC at the Stade Jean Bouin. While the score was already 3-1 in favor of the hosts upon his arrival, the appearance was a critical step for Pogba, who had been sidelined by a persistent calf injury for over four months. Despite the heavy loss, the French international was greeted with warm applause from the crowd, signaling a significant moment in his first season back in France.

Navigating a Nightmare Debut Season

Since joining the Principality club on a free transfer in June 2025, Pogba’s tenure has been plagued by physical setbacks. Following the conclusion of his 18-month doping ban, the midfielder signed a two-year contract intended to revitalize his career in Ligue 1. However, prior to the Paris FC clash, he had managed only 30 minutes of competitive action across three appearances. His debut season has been defined more by time on the treatment table than on the grass, having suffered an ankle injury early in the campaign followed by the calf issue that kept him out for the entirety of early 2026.

Scuro’s Warning and Transfer Speculation

The lack of consistent availability had begun to fuel rumors regarding a premature end to Pogba’s contract. AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro previously addressed these concerns, hinting that the club would need to evaluate the player’s status this summer if his fitness did not show tangible improvement. Scuro emphasized that while the club believed in Pogba's high-level experience and performance potential, the project relied on his ability to contribute regularly on the pitch. These public comments sparked intense debate among supporters and analysts about whether the two-year deal would be honored through the 2026/27 season.