Paul Pogba has left AS Monaco after his contract with the French club was ended a year early.

They "jointly concluded that the objectives initially set were only partially achieved," according to a club statement.

Pogba's deal with Monaco was due to expire next summer but, ahead of the first game of the new Ligue 1 campaign, he has departed and is now a free agent.

The former France international joined last summer after serving a doping ban. In 2024 he was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels, but it was cut to 18 months after he appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Before joining Monaco, Pogba hadn't played a competitive game since 2023 for Juventus. But he played just six times for Monaco in 2025-26.

"I would like to thank the president and the management, my teammates, all the staff members and every supporter who believed in me," Pogba said.

"Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience. AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours."

Thiago Scuro, CEO of Monaco, said: "On behalf of the club, I would simply like to say thank you to Paul. We are very happy to have shared this journey together. When he joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious.

"While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it should not overshadow the enthusiasm that surrounded his return to club football, nor the fact that Paul was able to return to the pitch and to professional football during this period.

"What he brought to the dressing room, particularly to the younger players with whom he constantly shared his vast experience and offered valuable advice, was precious. His attitude was exemplary throughout, demonstrating the qualities of the outstanding champion that he is. We wish Paul all the very best for the future."

Pogba won the 2018 World Cup with France and previously played for Manchester United and Juventus (in two stints each). (ESPN)

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