According to a report by GOAL on Saturday October 17, 2026, Monaco forward Ansu Fati has opened up about his close relationship with Paul Pogba, revealing how the French midfielder helped him adapt to life at the club after leaving Barcelona.

The Spanish attacker described Pogba as a big brother, explaining that the former France international played an important role in helping him settle in France during the 2025–26 campaign.

Fati joined Monaco in search of a fresh start after struggling to establish himself consistently at Barcelona. The move provided an opportunity to rebuild his career, regain confidence and demonstrate his quality in a different environment.

During that period, Pogba became an important source of support for the 23-year-old, helping him navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new club and a different footballing environment.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, Fati explained that their relationship extended beyond the pitch, with the pair regularly discussing football and personal matters.

"He is like a big brother to me," Fati said, as quoted by Maxifoot. "Last year, in particular, he was a huge help to me. He speaks very good Spanish, so things were much simpler."

The language connection helped the two players develop a strong bond, allowing Fati to communicate comfortably with the experienced midfielder during his transition to French football.

Although Pogba left Monaco in August, their friendship has continued. Fati revealed that they still meet whenever their schedules allow, maintaining the relationship they developed during their time together at the club.

"We were together again on Friday. Whenever we can, we try to chat and spend time together. We talk a lot about football, but also about life in general," the forward added.

Pogba's experience at the highest level of football made him a valuable figure for Fati, who has endured a difficult period in his career despite the enormous potential he showed during his early years at Barcelona.

Once regarded as one of Spanish football's brightest young talents, Fati has faced challenges in maintaining consistent playing time and rediscovering his best form. His move to Monaco offered him an opportunity to get his career back on track.

However, establishing himself in the starting lineup has not been straightforward. The report states that Fati had made just one Ligue 1 appearance in the current season at the time of publication as he continued working towards securing a regular role.

Despite his limited involvement in the league, the Spanish forward has shown encouraging signs in European competition. He played a decisive role in Monaco's 2-1 victory over CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Conference League, demonstrating that he can still make an impact when given the opportunity.

Fati will now be hoping to build on that contribution and convince Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli that he deserves more minutes on the pitch.

Meanwhile, the attacker also expressed his support for Pogba, who is working towards returning to competitive football.

Asked about the midfielder's situation, Fati made it clear that he wants his former teammate to rediscover the joy of playing.

"I hope he can return soon and enjoy football again," he said.

Pogba has experienced several difficulties in recent years, making a successful return to the game an important objective as he considers the next stage of his career.

For Fati, however, the midfielder's influence at Monaco has already left a lasting impression. His support helped make the transition to a new club easier, while their friendship has continued beyond their time as teammates.