Paul Pogba issues cryptic message as £89m Man United hero gets new update after ban

As Paul Pogba contemplates a return to the football pitch for the first time since 2023, the ex-Manchester United midfielder had an update for his supporters

Paul Pogba has shared a mysterious message on social media as he edges closer to his return to professional football following a two-year absence.

The former Manchester United midfielder hasn't featured since testing positive for a banned substance during his second stint at Juventus, but is now firmly on the road back to action. The Frenchman's initial four-year suspension was cut to 18 months following an appeal, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling his doping violation was 'not intentional', clearing him to resume playing in March 2025.

The wait has extended slightly beyond that timeframe, but Pogba, whose £89million return from Juventus is still United's record transfer, has secured a new club in Monaco. Perhaps after looking back on a difficult four years, Pogba had a cryptic message for his Instagram followers.

In an 11-word message uploaded to his social media page, he said: "You stay grounded in faith, even when the path isn't clear."

Pogba was handed a provisional October comeback date upon his arrival at Stade Louis II, though manager Adi Hutter seems prepared to allow him additional time to reach the standard required for top-level performance. According to reports in France, Hutter doesn't anticipate having Pogba available before the October international break but is optimistic about his return shortly afterwards.

Speaking about the Frenchman, Hutter said: "After the next international break, I think we'll be able to see him play for AS Monaco. He's on the right track.

"It's taking a little longer than for Ansu (Fati, who arrived on loan from Barcelona), but he's doing well. I wouldn't say I'm surprised, but I'm impressed by what he's doing every day to come back. He's a very professional player. I hope to see him again after the next international break."

Pogba's projected return date suggests he may not be fit in time to face Manchester City in the Champions League on October 1. However, Hutter has included him in Monaco's Champions League squad, meaning the French international could potentially play later in the league phase against Tottenham, Real Madrid or Juventus.

The World Cup-winning midfielder was visibly moved in his signing video and discussed the moment with club media. He said: "It's true that I was overwhelmed with emotion at that moment.

"I must say that it's very rare to see me cry like that, so I hope you enjoyed it. A lot of images that came to mind, in relation to what I went through.

"So to come back and sign for AS Monaco, for a club that believed in me, all of that came back to me at the moment of my signing, which meant that I couldn't hold back.

"But above all, it was a moment of joy! But I also feel a lot of determination in me, and I think I made the best choice in coming here."

Monaco secured third place in Ligue 1 last season to earn Champions League qualification and currently sit fourth in the table following three matches of the new campaign. On Saturday they make the trip to Auxerre with the aim of claiming their first away points of the new season.

Click here to read article