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Paul Pogba finally plays for Monaco after 26-month absence, Bruno Fernandes weighs in

Originally posted on HITC | By Vatsal Gupta | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 9:44 AM ET

Bruno Fernandes was quick to respond after Paul Pogba finally returned to competitive football, ending a 26-month spell on the sidelines due to bans and injuries.

Pogba had been away from the game following a ban related to doping issues. He spent that time waiting for a chance to get back on the pitch.

He joined AS Monaco over the summer, but after such a long layoff, he struggled with injury problems as he tried to regain full fitness.

The Frenchman made his return as a substitute against Rennes on Saturday and offered glimpses of the quality that once put him among the top players in the world.

How Paul Pogba looked on his Monaco comeback

Monaco are right in the thick of a tight European qualification battle this season, sitting just two points behind Strasbourg in fourth while occupying eighth place themselves.

Pogba was introduced from the bench after 76 minutes, and although Monaco were already well beaten by that point, it did not take long for him to show flashes of his old self.

Despite only being on the pitch for five minutes, he displayed his trademark composure. He moved smoothly, controlled possession with ease, and showed glimpses of the confidence that once defined him.

The 32-year-old shielded the ball well, too. There were even a few passes that reminded people of what he can do when he is feeling confident, and he threw himself into challenges without holding back.

All told, it was a promising cameo given both how one-sided the game was already and how long he had been out.

Bruno Fernandes shares his reaction to Paul Pogba’s return

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Pogba is still well-liked in the football world, particularly around Old Trafford, even though things did not end smoothly when he left the club.

Fernandes had built a good relationship with him both on and off the pitch, and he was quick to acknowledge Pogba’s return.

Sharing a photo of Pogba coming onto the pitch, Fernandes simply captioned it “Pogbaaaaaack,” along with an eye-heart emoji and raised hands.

After the match, the Frenchman spoke out as well: “Playing football is what I love the most. Football is NOT over for me.”

“I was the one who suffered the most. I was looking forward to it. You have moments when the devil tries to talk in your head to say it’s over. But there is a good God, I believe in myself.”

Pogba could make his next appearance in Monaco’s Champions League fixture against Pafos on November 26.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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