Paul Pogba leaves Monaco after just one season

Paul Pogba has left Monaco after the Ligue 1 club agreed to terminate his contract, bringing his brief return to European club football to an early end.

The former France international had been contracted to Monaco until June 2027 but made only six appearances during his first season, with five of those coming from the bench.

Monaco said the objectives agreed with Pogba had been only “partially achieved”, leading both parties to end the contract ahead of schedule.

Pogba reflects on Monaco spell

Pogba joined Monaco last summer after completing his return to professional football following an 18-month doping suspension.

The 2018 World Cup winner said he remained grateful for the opportunity despite failing to feature as regularly as he had hoped.

“Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience,” Pogba said.

“AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours.”

The midfielder had originally received a four-year ban while at Juventus, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the suspension to 18 months after accepting that his doping offence was not intentional. He became eligible to return in March 2025.

Injury could affect next move

Pogba is now a free agent and has already attracted interest from Major League Soccer, with DC United and Inter Miami previously linked with the 33-year-old.

However, his immediate future could be affected by a hamstring injury suffered during Monaco’s pre-season training camp in England last week.

Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro said Pogba’s return had been an ambitious project despite its disappointing outcome.

“When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious,” Scuro said.

“While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it should not overshadow the enthusiasm that surrounded his return to club football, nor the fact that Paul was able to return to the pitch and to professional football during this period.”

Scuro wished the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder well for the next stage of his career.