In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Paul Pogba has revealed the harrowing circumstances that influenced his decision to reject a move to Manchester City in 2022. The France international, who was at Manchester United at the time, admits that personal issues compelled him to leave the city altogether.
Interest from Manchester City
In May 2022, it was widely reported that Pep Guardiola had expressed interest in signing Pogba as a free agent, aiming to fill the void left by departing captain Fernandinho. The possibility of such a transfer sent shockwaves through the football community, considering Pogba’s long-standing ties to Manchester United. However, Pogba now reflects that staying in Manchester wasn’t a feasible option for him.
A Life-Changing Incident
The catalyst for Pogba’s decision came in March 2022 when he experienced a traumatic burglary. Intruders invaded his home while his children were asleep, an incident that left him shaken. To compound his distress, Pogba was embroiled in an extortion case involving his brother Mathias, which remains under investigation.
In light of these events, Pogba candidly stated, “Honestly: I had a lot of problems. I had the burglary, I had the problem with the extortion. I had to leave Manchester. Let’s say it like this: if I didn’t have those problems, maybe I would have been at City. But my head wasn’t about staying in Manchester.”
The Path Ahead
Now, Pogba is preparing to make his return to competitive football in March 2025 after an 18-month doping ban was reduced from four years. As he discusses his future, he acknowledges ongoing talks with Juventus about potentially terminating his current contract. “For now, I still have a contract with Juventus. We are talking to them, and we will see what happens,” he said, emphasizing his eagerness to return to training and playing with teammates.
Reflections on Old Friends
Pogba also took a trip down memory lane during the interview, recalling his time at Manchester United’s youth academy alongside Ravel Morrison. He reminisced about a playful yet intense encounter with Morrison, highlighting the natural talent Morrison possessed. “Let me tell you, Ravel is the best player of my generation that I have seen. No doubt,” Pogba asserted.
Despite their diverging career paths, the two remain in touch, with Morrison reaching out to congratulate Pogba following the news of his reduced ban. Pogba reflected on the importance of accountability, noting that while talent is crucial, players must also take responsibility for their careers.
Conclusion
As Pogba navigates a challenging period both personally and professionally, his reflections on potential moves and past relationships provide a glimpse into the complexities of life as a professional footballer. While the door to a move to Manchester City remains closed, Pogba’s focus is firmly on regaining his form and returning to the pitch.
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