Paul Pogba's wife hits back at claims he should retire, with 33-year-old set to have Monaco contract ripped up after yet another cruel injury blow

Paul Pogba's future at AS Monaco is reportedly in jeopardy after the midfielder suffered another injury setback during pre-season, prompting discussions about terminating his contract. The 33-year-old player has struggled with fitness issues since returning to professional football following a doping ban, complicating his efforts to secure a regular place in Monaco's squad.

Pogba's most recent injury occurred shortly after he resumed training, adding to a series of physical problems that have limited his appearances to just six games since joining the Ligue 1 club. These persistent setbacks have led Monaco to consider ending their agreement with the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, with talks reportedly underway between the club and Pogba's representatives.

The former World Cup champion's attempt at a career revival came after a reduced suspension allowed him to return to the sport in early 2025. His move to Monaco last summer was seen as a hopeful second chapter, with Pogba describing the period following his ban as a "time of darkness" from which he wanted to emerge.

Despite these challenges, Pogba's wife, Zulay, has publicly defended him against calls for retirement, emphasizing that decisions about his career remain personal and not dictated by external opinions. She highlighted his previous achievements and dismissed claims that financial motivations prompted his comeback.

Zulay, a Bolivian model and influencer, also addressed the critical nature of social media discourse, pointing out the disconnect between public commentary and the realities faced by professional athletes. The couple, married since 2019, have two young sons and have maintained a relatively private family life despite Pogba's high-profile career.

Reports indicate that Pogba was recently made available to Major League Soccer clubs in the United States, suggesting that Monaco might be exploring options to offload the player as they weigh their roster decisions. However, no formal transfer or contract termination has been confirmed at this stage.

Pogba's journey over recent years has been marked by upheaval, including the mutual termination of his Juventus contract in late 2024 and the subsequent legal battles surrounding his doping case. His emotional return to football was viewed as an opportunity to regain former status, but his ongoing injuries have severely hampered progress.

The midfielder's wage at Monaco, reportedly around £44,000 per week, contrasts with the limited playing time he has managed, raising questions about the financial and sporting balance for the club. Monaco's willingness to consider contract termination reflects the challenges of investing in a player whose availability is uncertain.

This situation underscores a broader theme in professional football, where players recovering from disciplinary actions or injuries face difficult paths back to top-level competition. Pogba's case exemplifies the physical and reputational hurdles athletes must navigate when attempting comebacks under intense scrutiny.

From a career standpoint, Pogba's catalogue of performances has been significant, yet the recent period of inactivity and off-field issues might affect his legacy and future prospects. His relationship with fans and stakeholders could also be influenced by how transparently the club and player manage this transition.

Looking ahead, both Pogba and Monaco will need to address the balance between potential and practicality, weighing the player's health and contribution against club strategy and resources. The ongoing negotiations and possible outcomes will be closely watched by the footballing community.

While some details, such as the final decision on Pogba's contract and his next career steps, remain unconfirmed, the current trajectory indicates a pivotal moment for the midfielder. His wife’s defense adds a personal dimension to the public debate, highlighting the human aspect behind professional sports controversies.