‘It got on my nerves’ – Paul Pogba opens up about injuries at Monaco

Paul Pogba has spoken candidly about the mental strain of his injury setbacks after finally making his first start for AS Monaco, describing a difficult period marked by frustration and persistence.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who joined the Ligue 1 side as a free agent last summer following an 18-month doping ban, has endured a stop-start campaign due to recurring fitness issues.

His long-awaited first start came in Monaco’s 2-1 victory over FC Metz on Saturday, a moment that represented both relief and a step forward in his attempt to rebuild his career.

Despite the milestone, Pogba admitted the journey back has tested him mentally as much as physically. “Honestly, there were times when I was like, ‘That’s it, it’s getting on my nerves,’” he told Ligue 1 Plus after the match.

His struggles have been compounded by repeated attempts to return, only to be held back by further setbacks. The former Juventus FC and Manchester United FC midfielder revealed how the cycle of recovery and relapse left him searching for answers.

“I do everything, I come, I’m here, and it doesn’t stop, it just keeps going. I was thinking, ‘What more do I have to do to avoid all this?’ And actually, it’s about time and patience.”

That realisation, he suggested, has reshaped his mindset as he works his way back to full fitness. Rather than rushing the process, Pogba is now focused on endurance and discipline, accepting that recovery cannot be forced.

“You have to have the patience to keep going and not give up.”

Pogba’s return to the starting line-up is a significant marker in a turbulent chapter that has included suspension, injuries and prolonged absence from competitive football. Once regarded among the most dominant midfielders in Europe, his recent years have been defined by interruptions that have stalled his rhythm and consistency.

At Monaco, there remains cautious optimism that the French-Guinean midfielder can rediscover his influence if he maintains fitness. His presence adds experience and technical quality to a side pushing for a strong finish in Ligue 1.