'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bruno Fernandes reacted to former Manchester United teammate Paul Pogba's return to football after two years. The Frenchman featured in AS Monaco's 4-1 defeat against Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 on Saturday, November 22.
Pogba was previously banned for four years from football in 2023 after failing a drug test while playing for Juventus. His ban was later reduced to 18 months, but the Bianconeri terminated his contract in November last year. AS Monaco signed him after his suspension was over in March this year.
However, as he hadn't played for a long time, Monaco were cautious in making sure the French midfielder gained full fitness before returning to action. Paul Pogba came on as a substitute in the 85th minute as they lost 4-1 against Rennes at Roazhon Park on Saturday.
Trending
After the game, Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes expressed his excitement at seeing his former teammate back on the pitch. He shared a post about Pogba's return on his Instagram story, tagged the Frenchman, and wrote in the caption:
"Pogbaaaaaack"
Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes shared the pitch 78 times at Manchester United, and also combined for 11 goals across competitions. The former left the club as a free agent in 2022 before re-joining Juventus.
Ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba opens up after his return to competitive football
Paul Pogba had to wait a long time to make his return to competitive football as he built his fitness. However, his return was far from ideal as AS Monaco suffered a big 4-1 defeat against Rennes. After the game, the 32-year-old expressed his elation at being back but also shared his disappointment at the result.
The former Manchester United star told RMC Sport:
"I was disappointed to lose this match. It's Paul Pogba's return, but I play for Monaco, and I don't like losing. I was really happy on one hand, but on the other, I was disappointed with the result and what we did on the pitch."
Speaking about the applause he received from the fans, the Frenchman added:
"It touched me, the reception. Seeing the crowd stand up and applaud, I wasn't expecting that. A big thank you to the fans who personally supported me. The feeling was good, I wanted to bring good energy, not concede a goal, enjoy myself, it's been a long time. I'm relieved to be back playing football, what I love most in the world. There's still work to do to get back to full fitness."
Pogba will likely next be in action on Wednesday, November 26, in the UEFA Champions League, when Monaco face Pafos FC in Cyprus.
