Pogba hopes for France national team return, gives two examples: ‘Depends on me’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 5:44 AM ET

Former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed that he still has ambitions of returning to the France national team squad following his lengthy suspension, and has given two examples as to why that could still be possible, even if he moves to MLS or Saudi Arabia.

The former Juventus and Manchester United star was handed an initial four-year ban after a doping test revealed high levels of DHEA in his system back in August of 2023. Then, in October 2024, it was confirmed that his suspension had been reduced to 18 months, which means that he is now eligible to return to competitive football again.

Speaking in an interview with GQ France, Pogba spoke about his ambitions to return to the France national team squad once he finds a new club at domestic level.

Pogba gives Kanté and Gignac examples for return to France squad

He points to his former international colleagues N’Golo Kanté and André-Pierre Gignac, who continued to be called up to the France squad while playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and Tigres of Liga MX respectively.

“Today, there are proposals, which come from all over the place,” Pogba told GQ when asked about his next move at club level.

He continued: “I want to see what works best for me. Because I’m in a period of my life and my career that is decisive. It’s a decision that I’m going to take time to consider.”

And, on his potential return to the France national team squad, he added: “Firstly, I have to get back into my rhythm. It’s not really the club that matters in the national team. André-Pierre Gignac was in the squad while playing in Mexico. N’Golo Kanté has returned while in Saudi Arabia. It depends on me.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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