Paul Pogba was visibly emotional, reportedly shedding tears as he finalized his transfer to AS Monaco following his 18-month suspension for a doping violation.
The 32-year-old midfielder, formerly of Juventus and Manchester United, covered his face with his hands upon signing the two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club.
The French World Cup winner had been sidelined from professional play since testing positive for a banned substance in August 2023, resulting in a suspension a month later.
He became eligible to join a club in March of this year and expressed significant emotion upon securing his first senior contract with a team in his native country.
AS Monaco officially confirmed the signing on their website with a statement: "AS Monaco are delighted to announce the arrival of Paul Pogba. The French World Champion has signed a 2-season deal, and is now tied to the Principality until 30 June 2027."
Pogba`s suspension followed a random drug test after Juventus played Udinese on the opening matchday of the 2023-24 season.
He was initially given a four-year ban, but this penalty was reduced by 30 months on appeal last October.
The four-time Serie A champion had previously vowed to resume his playing career and stated last week that he "still feels like a kid."
His contract with Juventus was terminated by mutual consent in November of last year.
Two months after that, he appeared to hint at a potential third spell with Manchester United.
Pogba had previously teased United supporters with an Instagram post.
He shared a cartoon image depicting himself alongside Manchester United player Amad Diallo, with both figures wearing the club`s kit.
This image fueled speculation as he added the caption: "Let's see what's coming…"
It was also reported that he had hoped to attract interest from Bundesliga clubs as well as Juventus` main rivals in Serie A.
However, Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco have ultimately secured his signature.
The player, who came through Manchester United`s academy, first departed Old Trafford for Juventus in 2012.
After four successful years in Italy, Pogba returned to the Red Devils in 2016 for what was then a British record transfer fee of £89 million.
His second spell in the Premier League, however, was often marked by inconsistent performances.
Despite this, he helped Jose Mourinho`s side win both the Europa League and the League Cup during the 2016-17 season.
He rejoined Juventus on a free transfer in July 2022, signing a four-year deal, but failed a drug test just 13 months later.
The banned substance detected was dehydroepiandrosterone, known for its properties in boosting testosterone and potentially improving endurance.
However, his ban was reduced last autumn by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which accepted his argument that the doping violation "was not intentional."
Now, the experienced international with 91 caps is preparing for his comeback to top-tier football.
Speaking recently, as his move to Monaco approached, Pogba stated: "I’m mentally and physically ready, and I’m eager to start again. I’m 32, but I still feel like a kid."
Pogba also expressed criticism towards Juventus, claiming they didn`t support him when he sought help.
He told French channel TF1: "I asked to get a fitness coach. I had the right, and I was always part of the team."
"They were not very kind to me, they did not support me, and I was shocked. I did not understand why."
"I thought I was at war with anti-doping authorities."
Marcus Bellamy