‘I just want him to stay Healthy’ - France Legend wants Pogba to return to Football

Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra has expressed his happiness at seeing Paul Pogba back on the pitch with AS Monaco, insisting that fitness and well-being should be the priority after the midfielder’s difficult recent history.

Speaking to Tribal Football ahead of Monaco’s Ligue 1 clash with Olympique Marseille, Evra opened up about his close relationship with Pogba and the emotional toll the last two years have taken on the former Juventus and Manchester United star.

“Paul is my little brother. Paul is someone I really protect and admire,” Evra said.

He added, “I remember when I got criticised for defending him so much when he was at United.”

Pogba’s career has been derailed in recent seasons by a doping suspension, persistent injury problems, and a highly publicised blackmail case.

Evra believes many fans underestimate the human cost of those setbacks.

“I know the kid. I know how much he has suffered. People don’t realise how difficult it was for him with the doping issue. We are human beings,” he explained.

Evra revealed how close Pogba came to believing his career was over, describing an emotional moment when the midfielder signed for Monaco.

He continued, “He was crying when he signed because he thought football was finished for him. With Paul, all his life is football. That’s what he wants to do. No matter what, people will talk about his haircut, his dancing, but football is everything for Paul.”

Having played alongside Pogba at both club and international level, Evra stressed that criticism has often overlooked the midfielder’s passion and dedication to the game.

Rather than focusing on Pogba returning immediately to his best, Evra is urging supporters and pundits to show patience and allow his former teammate time to rebuild physically.

“I’m so glad he’s back on the pitch. Now we need to protect his body. I don’t want him to get injured. I don’t even care about him coming back to his level. Right now, I just want him to be fit,” he said.

Evra added that consistent minutes, rather than hype or expectations, will be the true marker of Pogba’s comeback.

“If he’s fit and he plays 10 games in a row, 90 minutes, I will say Pogba is back,” he stated.

The former United captain also warned against rushing into conversations about major international tournaments, such as the World Cup, saying Pogba’s immediate focus should be simple.

“Paul has to just stay fit. Now, I just want to make sure he’s healthy. He’s my brother, and he had a tough time. A lot of people saw him as a disease when he got that doping ban, so he doesn’t forget that. I wish him well. I want him to stay healthy and fit and enjoy your football,” he concluded.