Paul Pogba has discussed his future, why he feels Max Allegri should go to the Premier League and confirms he turned down Pep Guardiola for Juventus.
The midfielder broke his silence with a series of interviews for several different media outlets, including Sky Sports UK, ESPN and La Gazzetta dello Sport.
You can read the rest of his comments to the Gazzetta dello Sport here, along with video of the Sky Sports UK interview.
The Italian discussion also went beyond the scope of the four-year doping ban being reduced to 18 months on appeal.
He was asked about the coaches he worked with, especially as Antonio Conte has returned to Serie A for Napoli.
“Antonio is so strong tactically. One time against Parma, he was giving Chiellini instructions to make a pass ‘inside’ – but he shouted so loudly that the opponent heard him, intercepted and scored a goal.
“I was so impressed by Conte, because he apologised for us conceding that,” said Pogba.
Another of his former Juventus coaches is Allegri, who currently is out of work, but has been linked with Manchester United.
“I always told Allegri that one shirt was not enough for him. We organised a goodbye dinner when he left Juve and he paid for everything.
“I’d see Max doing well anywhere, but I am not his agent: hopefully he’ll end up in England.”
Pogba not open to leaving Juventus
Would it be possible to see Pogba in Serie A with someone other than Juventus, for example with his old friend Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Milan?
“Ibra is a legend, he can bring so much to the Rossoneri with his experience, but Zlatan knows I am under contract with Juve.
“As of today, it is impossible, I do not see myself with any other jersey. My focus is on getting back into the Juve shirt.”
Patrice Evra got tongues wagging in France with his suggestion Pogba could play for Olympique Marseille along with ex-Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
“Uncle Pat knows my situation, he was just joking because he is friends with Benatia. I am not surprised to see Rabiot in Marseille, but to be honest I did expect him to go to England.”
Looking back to the past, this is his second different stint in Turin with the Old Lady and when leaving the first time in 2016, Pogba gifted luxury watches to all his teammates and club staff. Would he do that again?
“I don’t want to think about saying goodbye to Juve right now. In my first experience with the Bianconeri, I had won titles and started playing for France. I was young and felt in my heart the need to repay them with that gesture. The kit staff were really shocked.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport asked if it was true that in the past Pogba had turned down the chance to work with Guardiola so he could stay at Juventus?
“Yes, that’s true.”
Which other coach would he love to work with?
“Sir Alex Ferguson. I only had him for a bit and was very young.”
🗣️ “I’m a bad loser but I’m not a cheater”
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports’ Chief Reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Paul Pogba opens up on his ban from football. pic.twitter.com/k9DhwIf0xu
