'I would have given up' — Bad loser Paul Pogba opens up on emotional first match in 811 days

Former Manchester United and Juventus star Paul Pogba has made an emotional return to professional football, marking his first competitive match in Ligue 1 after 811 days out. 

The 32-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute in the 85th minute for AS Monaco during their brutal 4-1 loss to Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. 

Reflecting on his comeback, Pogba admitted he nearly gave up football altogether but credited his partner Adelaide for giving him the strength to continue. 

“It’s the first step for me, everything that happened is behind. I left it all behind and now we are on a straight line where there is only happiness and pleasure,” Pogba said in a video shared by Monaco. 

“Today, I took pleasure in being out there despite the result, I took pleasure in coming back on the pitch. I am happy with this side of me but also a bad loser so it’s not part. But at least I am happy and proud.” 

He pledged to keep working hard to help his team recover from the defeat and aim higher in the season.

The match at Roazhon Park saw Rennes take the upper hand early when Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal scored in the 20th minute from a precise Mahdi Camara cross. 

Despite Monaco’s promising first-half chances, Rennes doubled their lead early in the second half with Camara himself scoring in the 48th minute. 

The game shifted dramatically when Monaco captain Denis Zakaria was shown a red card in the 66th minute for a dangerous challenge, leaving Monaco with ten men. 

Rennes took full advantage, with Breel Embolo heading in a third goal in the 73rd minute and Ludovic Blas converting a penalty in the 83rd minute. 

Monaco managed a late consolation through Mika Biereth deep into stoppage time, but the damage was done.

Pogba’s Ligue 1 debut was a historic moment, making him the third French World Cup winner to debut in the league after such a long absence. 

The crowd warmly welcomed him as he stepped onto the field, a symbol of resilience and hope for Monaco fans. 

Now focused on regaining his peak form, Pogba aims to play full matches and help Monaco challenge for European qualification and success in the Champions League.

“We will work hard to come back to help our team. We are disappointed on one side, but quite happy about it,” he added.

This return caps a turbulent period for Pogba, who faced injuries, off-field issues, and an 18-month reduced doping ban. 

His journey back symbolises perseverance and passion for football, hinting at a possible final chapter with the French national team at the 2026 World Cup. 

Meanwhile, Monaco looks to bounce back quickly from their defeat as they prepare for their next Champions League fixture against Pafos.