Paul Pogba is targeting a return to the France side following his decision to join Monaco and play in Ligue 1 for the first time.
The 2018 World Cup winner has never played professionally in his homeland, having joined Manchester United as a youth player from Le Havre in 2009.
Pogba has not played since his last appearance for Juventus in 2023, the midfielder having been handed an 18-month doping ban after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.
His last France cap came in March 2022, but Pogba has designs on eventually ending that wait after signing for Monaco on a two-year contract.
“It’s the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages,” Pogba said at his presentation on Thursday.
“Today I’m at stage one — coming back and performing well.
“There are spots to be won and you have to earn them because it’s a very, very good group, a great team.”
Monaco also presented Eric Dier following his arrival from Bayern Munich, and the former Tottenham defender is relishing the chance to play with Pogba.
“I think it [Pogba’s arrival at AS Monaco] is, obviously, very exciting for the club, and I think for the French league in general,” Dier said.
“I have played against Paul many times I know how good he is. I think everyone does. I am excited to see him play football again, and to get to see it close as well, is even better.”
