Florent Malouda has discussed the possibility of Paul Pogba joining Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Hollywood project at Wrexham.
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Pogba left Juventus in NovemberDoping ban ended in March'Risky' Wrexham move discussedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Pogba saw his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months on appeal in October, but his contract at Juventus was terminated by mutual consent the following month. The France international has been searching for a new club since being officially cleared to return to football on March 11, with potential moves to Ligue 1, Saudi Arabia, and MLS all speculated on.
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A concrete route back into the game has not yet presented itself to Pogba, who endured a frustrating end to his second spell at Manchester United before injuries and off-field controversies completely derailed his career at Juventus. It has been suggested that the World Cup winner may first have to drop down a level before working his way back to the top, and he has the superstar profile that may appeal to ambitious Wrexham co-owners Reynolds and McElhenney as they bid to guide the Welsh club into the Premier League.
WHAT MALOUDA SAID
Wrexham made history by sealing their third successive promotion last season and are now just one step away from the English top flight. However, Premier League winner Malouda feels a move to the Racecourse Ground would be "too risky" for Pogba as he aims to regain his place in the France squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.
The former Chelsea and Les Bleus winger has told GOAL: "I cannot speak on Paul Pogba’s behalf, but if I was him after such a long time away from the pitch, it’s about building back his confidence. You look into the environment, where you will receive the confidence, the love. He needs to be surrounded by people who believe and trust him – that it is necessary.
"Firstly, he has to adjust physically to the intensity of the games. He doesn't know how his body will react. So I think a move in clubs like Wrexham wouldn't help him achieve what he has in mind. I definitely believe that he wants to play the next World Cup with France. He wants to lead France in the World Cup. It would be too risky for his career because there would be too much pressure on his shoulders, too much expectation individually – he needs to join a team with a strong collective already."
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Pogba has not played football professionally since August 2023, and wherever he ends up next, it will take time for him to rebuild his match fitness and confidence. France head coach Didier Deschamps has backed the 32-year-old to get his career back on track, though, telling in April: "Obviously, we have a strong relationship after everything we have experienced together. He has the mental strength to return to the highest level, but it’s his career; it’s up to him to decide."
