Pogba and AS Monaco part ways by mutual consent after injury-plagued season

Paul Pogba has departed AS Monaco by mutual consent, ending his two-year contract one year ahead of schedule. The 33-year-old French midfielder is now a free agent following a joint statement issued by the club and the player on Wednesday.

Pogba joined the Principality-based club last summer on a free transfer, marking his first contract since serving a doping ban that sidelined him for nearly two years. The move represented a significant return to professional football, with the midfielder completing an adapted training programme before making his debut for Monaco in November.

Despite the initial optimism surrounding the signing, a series of repeated injuries restricted Pogba’s involvement significantly. He made just six appearances for the club, accumulating a total of 105 minutes of playing time across the campaign.

Club CEO Thiago Scuro addressed the departure directly, framing the agreement as a resolution to a high-risk venture. “We explained upon his arrival that it was a big challenge, an audacious and ambitious bet,” Scuro stated. “Certainly, the outcome is not the one we would have hoped for, but that shouldn’t make us forget the enthusiasm that accompanied his return at club level.”

In his own statement, Pogba expressed gratitude to club president Dmitry Rybolovlev, the management, teammates, and supporters. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder described representing the club as an “incredible experience,” noting that he remained grateful for the opportunity to play for AS Monaco despite the limited playing time.

The mutual separation concludes a brief and physically challenging chapter for the midfielder, who had hoped to re-establish himself at the top level following his suspension. Both parties thanked each other for the experience, with Pogba now available to sign with a new club.