Monaco's Pogba 'dreams' of returning to France squad

MONACO, July 03 (AFP): Paul Pogba said during his unveiling at new club Monaco on Thursday a return to the French national team "would of course still be a dream and a bonus for me".

The 2018 World Cup winner boasts 91 caps for France, but has not represented Les Bleus since March 2022 due to injuries and an 18-month suspension for doping which ended four months ago.

"It's the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages," said the 32-year-old.

"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," he added.

In Pogba's absence, France reached the final of the 2022 World Cup but were beaten on penalties by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

They also reached the semi-finals of the European Championship last year, before losing 2-1 to eventual winners Spain.

Midfielder Pogba

signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 club Monaco on Saturday in a bid to relaunch his career.