Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8296]

Agent: Pogba will leave Juventus for the right offer

Mino Raiola says he has received over 2000 phone calls regarding the midfielder
since the start of the season, but is still holding out for the right deal for his client.

Apr 20, 2015

Paul Pogba's agent has admitted the midfielder will leave Juventus if he receives the right offer.

The France international has established himself as one of the best players in world football since joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012.

His emergence has reportedly caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, who are all expected to make summer bids.

Juve managed to persuade Pogba to sign a contract extension in October that binds him to the club until 2019, but the 22-year-old's representative, Mino Raiola, has suggested that it is only a matter of time before his client leaves Turin.

"Since the beginning of the season, I received over 2000 phone calls about Pogba, about 20 a day," the agent told La Stampa.

"I received many engagement proposals, but none of them were worthy of marriage.

"We signed with Juventus for five more years, but we're all gentlemen: if the right offer arrives, we'll take it."

Raiola admitted that Pogba's likely exit will have a devastating effect on a Juve side that still relies heavily on veterans such as Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo.

"Juventus will face a big challenge: they have to rebuild the team, they have to do that when they're on top, not when you'e obliged to do that," he added.

"Next year they'd need four or five new players. Do you remember when they sold [Zinedine] Zidane?"

Pogba is currently out of action with a hamstring injury but Raiola is hopeful that his client will be back before the end of the season.

"He's working hard to come back as soon as possible, but at the moment it's too early to make some predictions," he added. "But let's say earlier than the Champions League final [on June 6]."

Juve are on the verge of reaching the last four of Europe's premier cup competition, having defeated Monaco 1-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in Turin last week.

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Barcelona coy on Pogba interest

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he is an admirer of the France international
but noted that the Catalan outfit's transfer ban has prevented further talks over new signings.

Apr 21, 2015

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hinted at interest in Paul Pogba but conceded that the club's transfer ban complicates any possible move for the Juventus star.

The France international's agent revealed on Monday that his client could leave the Serie A champions if the right offer is made, and Goal understands Chelsea and City are leading the race to sign him from Juve.

Barcelona's transfer embargo is a stumbling block for any potential deal for Pogba, with the club banned from making new signings until 2016 having been found guilty of breaching Fifa rules last year.

"Pogba is a great player but in this moment we are not thinking about additions," Bartomeu told RMC.

"It's true that we have a Fifa sanction that prevents us from recruiting until January 2016. We work so that some players arrive [here], others can leave.

"We are preparing for next season but we will not provide the names here. Pogba is a good player, one who has a contract with an Italian team that I respect a lot.

"For the moment, it is not expected that we will recruit but everyone wants to have the great players. Also, we have players that the others [clubs] would like to have."

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Agent Claims Juventus Will Allow Pogba Exit

Apr 21, 2015

Juventus will let Paul Pogba depart the Serie A leaders if the right offer comes in, according to the player’s agent.

The 22-year-old’s excellent form for the Bianconeri has developed into a long transfer saga that seems increasingly likely to be settled in the Summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United among those keen on the Frenchman.

Talking to La Stampa, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola declared: “He has signed a five-year contract with Juventus but we are all gentlemen; if the right offer comes for Pogba and Juve, he can take it.”

“In the last year I have received over a thousand calls about Paul, about 20 a day, but so far none are worth taking up.”

Raiola has had his say on the airwaves several times in the last year, often moving information around in a way to alert clubs to Pogba’s situation and, in hinting that a deal can be done, opening the door for a massive offer from one of Europe’s elite clubs.

“It is too early to say when Pogba will leave, but Juventus must rebuild when they are strong, not out of necessity – next year it would take four or five signings.”

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Pogba Hoping To Be Fit For Champions League Semi Final

Apr 23, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is in a race to get fit for the Champions League semi-final, after having watched his side overcome Monaco in last night’s quarter-final second leg tie from the stands.

The French star is recovering from a hamstring problem picked up last month which was expected to sideline him for the rest of the current Serie A campaign.

However, Tuttosport reports that the player is confident he can make himself available despite medical staff predicting his injury would keep him out till mid-May, when the domestic season would already be over.

But, Pogba has targetted the Champions League semi-final second leg and hopes to be ready and at the disposal of coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Bianconeri are still in line to battle it out for Europe’s elite trophy, as they joined Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the final four of the competition.

[Socrates 8296]

Tacchinardi: ‘Juventus need Pogba’

Apr 23, 2015

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi says they can compete with Real Madrid - if they get Paul Pogba back.

The Bianconeri have advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2003, and Tacchinardi believes anything is possible.

“I think Allegri can only be praised for what he’s done this season,” the 39-year-old told Tuttomercatoweb.

“They’re one step away from the Scudetto, they’ve reached the Coppa Italia final and are in the top four teams in Europe.

“He’s done a great job, and has also had the luck which you need to get to the end in a competition like the Champions League.

“For the future, I think a Juventus at 100 per cent, with the return of Paul Pogba can easily compete on a par with Real Madrid.”

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Allegri: 'Paul Pogba could return for Champions League tie'

Apr 25, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Paul Pogba could return from his hamstring injury in time for Juventus's Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid.

The Frenchman picked up the injury during Juve's last-16 encounter with Borussia Dortmund an was expected to be out for seven weeks.

However, the Juve boss is now hopeful that the 22-year-old midfielder will be fit enough for the second leg against Madrid on May 13.

"We are doing everything possible to have him back for the second leg of the semi-final," Allegri said, according to Goal.com.

"We'll be playing against the European champions, a galactic team."

Juventus face Torino on Sunday afternoon, looking to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba could face Real Madrid - Allegri

The midfielder has been absent for the last month but should return
to training next week ahead of the meeting with the Champions League holders.

Apr 30, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has revealed Paul Pogba could return for the first leg of Juventus' Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

The midfielder has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the club's quarter-final tie.

He was initially expected to be out of action for up to two months but is ahead of schedule with his recovery, meaning he may play a part against the Champions League holders.

Allegri said: "Pogba? He’ll have another test on Thursday but I think all will be OK, meaning he should join up with the team next week."

[Socrates 8296]

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus
agree €80 million fee for Pogba

EXCLUSIVE: The Ligue 1 champions have made the first move
in the race to sign the in-demand midfielder.

Apr 30, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have agreed an €80million fee for France international Paul Pogba .

Goal understands PSG’s offer has been accepted by Juve, for whom the 22-year-old has emerged as a key player since leaving Manchester United in 2012.

But even though the Ligue 1 champions appear to have jumped the queue in the race to sign Pogba there remains no guarantee he will swap Turin for his native Paris.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi met with Pogba and his representatives in Monte Carlo earlier this week but a financial package for the player was not agreed.

And it is understood Pogba is willing to bide his time and evaluate other offers which he believes will come his way this summer.

Al-Khelaifi confirmed on Tuesday he had spoken to the player but admitted they would face competition for his signature. He told the French media: “Why did I talk with Pogba? Because he’s a great talent, he’s French, from Paris even. That said all the big clubs want him.”

Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta responded following Wednesday night’s game with Fiorentina by saying: “It was an occasional meeting. They spoke about football. We don't want to sell Paul.”

Despite Marotta's stance, Juve accept every player has a price although the deal could hinge on the involvement of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. The representative is known to have a strong relationship with the boards of both clubs and helped broker a new five-year deal for his client in October 2014.

He is also the agent of a number of PSG players, most notably Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

It is not thought Financial Fair Play will hinder a move should Pogba opt to join PSG as the club are expected to sell several squad members to balance the books, with the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Ezequiel Lavezzi under threat.

Should they beat off the competition to sign Pogba, it would represent a major coup for PSG and their owners, Qatar Sports Investments.

Although dominant domestically, PSG have failed to make the breakthrough in the Champions League and were knocked out at the quarter-final stage to Barcelona this season.

[Socrates 8296]

Juventus star Paul Pogba could be fit
to face Real Madrid at Bernabeu

May 1, 2015

Paul Pogba is set to return to training on Wednesday and could yet appear in the second leg of Juventus' Champions League semifinal clash with Real Madrid.

Pogba has been out of action since tearing his hamstring in the first leg of Juve's Champions League quarterfinal tie with Borussia Dortmund. An absence of 50 days was forecast in mid-March, and he is on course to make his return exactly 50 days on from that MRI scan next week.

A further scan on Wednesday revealed the 22-year-old is making the expected progress.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfc
Risonanza magnetica per @paulogba: buona evoluzione della lesione muscolare

"The MRI scan taken by Paul Pogba this afternoon revealed that the player has made further progress in his recovery from a torn thigh muscle," a statement on the Serie A club's website read.

"The player will undergo a personalised recovery regime before potentially returning to full training with the group on Wednesday."

His return will come as a boost to the Bianconeri as they seek to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2003. They host Real Madrid on Tuesday with the decisive second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu the following Wednesday, giving Pogba a week to prove his fitness.

[Socrates 8296]

Varane: Juventus will miss Pogba against Madrid

The defender acknowledged the absence of the midfielder - who is still
out with a hamstring problem - is a boost for the Blancos' European hopes.

May 1, 2015

Raphael Varane is thinks Juventus will sorely miss Paul Pogba when Real Madrid take them on in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.

Pogba will miss the clash in Turn as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, thus depriving the Bianconeri of one of their star players.

However, Varane still feels Juve still represent a formidable threat to Madrid's hopes of becoming the first side to successfully defend the Champions League trophy, arguing that the Italian titleholders are on the same level as Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

"Paul's obviously a great player and Juve will miss him," the defender is quoted as saying by AS. "But personally I would have liked to play against him."

"This is the highest level, a Champions League semi-final, and it will be very tough. But we'll be going all out to get to the final.

"I don't think Juve will be easier than Barca or Bayern. At this level, the little details are what make the difference."

Madrid are still in contention to do a double, with Carlo Ancelotti's men currently second in La Liga just two points behind leaders Barca with four games to go.

Varane remains confident the Blancos can finish top of the Primera Division pile but he knows that they must win all of their remaining fixtures.

"It's true we're in a good dynamic at the moment although we have to admit the game against Almería on Wednesday wasn't brilliant, above all in the first half," he said of the 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We weren't able to generate more tempo in our play. But we did the important thing because we got a good result and we're keeping up the pressure on Barcelona.

"I think every game from here until the end of the season could be decisive. The league is so tight that there is no margin for error.

"We know that we have to stay 100 per cent focused on our football and that we have to play every game as though it's the last one.

"Winning is the only thing that's any good to us. We'll see where we stand at the end of the season."

[Socrates 8296]

Barcelona meet for Pogba

May 2, 2015

Spanish papers claim Barcelona met with Paul Pogba’s agent to discuss a bid for the Juventus midfielder.

According to newspaper Sport, Mino Raiola flew out to Catalonia for a meeting with director Ariedo Braida.

The deal could be laying the groundwork for 2016 if Barcelona are still under a FIFA transfer embargo.

This offer is believed to be worth €70m plus a player such as Pedro or Montoya.

Sport also suggest that Raiola is using the Manchester City terms - €12m per year net wages – to force Barcelona into improving their proposal.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are far down the pecking order, as Pogba is not interested in a return to France yet.

Juventus have repeatedly stated they have no intention of selling Pogba, as the club does not need to raise funds.

[Socrates 8296]

Neymar: ‘Pogba, come to Barça’

May 7, 2015

Brazilian striker Neymar wants Juventus’ Paul Pogba to join him in Catalonia - ‘he’d do well at Barcelona’.

The Blaugrana cannot do any business in the summer window due to a transfer ban, but it has nonetheless be suggested that the French midfielder could end up at Camp Nou.

“Pogba? He’d be welcomed,” Neymar is reported as saying by SportMediaset.

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s younger than me and he’s already reached the top level. He’d do well at Barcelona.”

The former Manchester United man is one of the most highly-sought after players in Europe, though Bianconeri general manager Giuseppe Marotta has said they are not looking to sell.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba back in training

May 7, 2015

Paul Pogba is back training with the Juventus squad and is expected to play against Cagliari on Saturday.

This Serie A fixture is the last chance to get him in shape ahead of next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.

Juve won the first leg against Real Madrid 2-1 in Turin and travel to the Bernabeu next week.

Coach Max Allegri suggested he would only risk playing Pogba in Madrid if he first managed a run-out against Cagliari.

A training report from the club’s official website confirmed today Pogba was back in full training with the group, as everyone had a day off on Wednesday.

Pogba has been out of action with a torn thigh muscle since facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final on March 19.

[Socrates 8296]

Juventus given Pogba fitness boost
ahead of Real Madrid return leg

The club have confirmed that the midfielder is back in full training
having been sidelined for over seven weeks with a hamstring injury.

May 7, 2015

Paul Pogba could be fit to face Real Madrid in next week's Champions League decider after he returned to Juventus training on Thursday.

The 22-year-old missed the 2-1 semi-final first leg victory over Carlo Ancelotti's men on Tuesday after a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury.

Pogba has not played since picking up the problem in the 3-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on March 19.

The France international now looks set to give Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri a selection dilemma as he decides whether or not to throw the midfielder straight back into action.

Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Stefano Sturaro started in a midfield four against the European champions, but one of them is expected to be sacrificed to the bench if the Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain target is fit.

Pogba could be handed a run out against Cagliari on Saturday, with Juve set to rest a host of first-team players having already wrapped up the Scudetto last Saturday.

[Socrates 8296]

Juve ‘reject €80m for Pogba’

May 8, 2015

Transfer links continue to follow Paul Pogba, with the latest suggesting that Barcelona have bid €80m for him, only for Juventus to turn that down.

The Blaugrana are one of a number of Europe’s top sides said to be in pursuit of the highly-rated Frenchman, and are seen by Tuttosport to have taken action.

The Turin publication asserts that the Catalans, currently banned from acting in the transfer market by FIFA until January 2016, have tabled an €80m bid for Pogba.

Whilst having the intention of starting payments on that during this summer and allowing the midfielder to remain with Juve until the summer of 2016, it is understood that the Bianconeri have rejected the offer.

Tuttosport suggest that this is motivated by Juve valuing Pogba at no less than €100m. The newspaper also reiterates that Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea remain in the frame.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Capello: Juventus need Pogba to beat Real Madrid

 

The Russia coach says the possible return of the France international
from a hamstring injury will be vital to the Old Lady's chances at the Bernabeu.

 
May 9, 2015

Fabio Capello believes Paul Pogba must play for Juventus if the Italians are to see off Real Madrid and secure a place in the Champions League final.

The semi-final clash remains delicately balanced after the Bianconeri won the first leg 2-1 in Turin – a match which Pogba was forced to miss through injury.

Capello says Juventus’ hopes of ending a 12-year wait for a Champions League final could well depend on the fitness of the former Manchester United midfielder, who has been out with a hamstring injury since March but is set to make his comeback in Saturday's Serie A clash with Cagliari.

“The most important thing, for me, is that Pogba has to be there,” the Russia coach told AS.

“He’s a great player. He is strong, physical, has quality, a nice touch and a good finish... He has everything.”

The Italian champions sat deep to see out a deserved victory in the first leg, with a switch to three at the back in the closing stages of the first leg frustrating Madrid's much-vaunted attack.

Capello, who has coached both clubs, suspects that Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri could well repeat the trick in the Spanish capital.

“Juventus know very well how to play in different ways," he said. "I don’t know [if they will play three central defenders]. It depends on whether they fear the match of if they want to score a goal."

Capello then went on to say that he hopes Madrid can make up the two points that separate them from current Liga leaders Barcelona, and that the Catalans' own Champions League concerns distract them from their domestic duties.

“Everybody knows I’m a Real Madrid fan,” he said. “But Barcelona are at a high level, look what they did to Bayern Munich [a 3-0 win at Camp Nou on Wednesday]. It was incredible.

"There is a hope that they will relax a little, like what happened in [the recent 2-2 Liga draw at Sevilla].”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Watch out, Real Madrid - Pogba
is back and already scoring

 

The midfielder played a full hour against Cagliari and got on the scoresheet
with a deflected strike to give Carlo Ancelotti plenty to think about before next week.

 
May 9, 2015

If Real Madrid's midfield concerns were not already bad enough, Paul Pogba's return to action may just give Carlo Ancelotti a few more sleepless nights.

The France international, sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Champions League last-16 win over Borussia Dortmund in March, made his comeback from the start in the 1-1 draw against Cagliari on Saturday and showed little sign of rustiness.

As Massimiliano Allegri rested almost all of his first-team stars, Pogba - playing alongside Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pererya at the heart of midfield - was granted the licence to roam without any undue pressure and came close early on with some range-finders from distance.

The former Manchester United man almost carved out the opening goal for Alessandro Matri with a cleverly-disguised through-ball but the striker got the ball stuck under his feet. Pogba himself then wasted a good chance with a half-volley after some fine chest control in the area.

But the 22-year-old did not have to wait too long. With just minutes remaining of the first half, Pogba cut inside from the left and fizzed a shot towards the far post, with the ball taking a wicked deflection in the crowded penalty area before hitting the back of the net. He was eventually taken off just past the hour mark to a standing ovation from the reduced crowd inside Juventus Stadium.

Pogba was unquestionably playing in second gear during his return to action and he twice failed to stop Diego Farias running off him through the centre in Cagliari's rare forays forward, but Allegri will doubtless have been thrilled with his attacking display as he prepares for the trip to Madrid.

For the Champions League holders, Pogba's goalscoring return adds another complication to their bid to overturn a 2-1 deficit. With Sergio Ramos likely to remain in the heart of midfield despite his abject display in Turin, Allegri will know the value of having Pogba's arsenal ready to unleash, even if it is from the bench.

"I'm not yet 100 per cent after 52 days out but I'm fine, I'm happy," he told Sky at half-time. Given his efforts on Saturday, Madrid will hope it takes a little longer for the towering Frenchman to get back into full stride.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Marotta: 'Pogba fundamental'

 
May 9, 2015

Juventus director Beppe Marotta insists Paul Pogba “is fundamental for our future” as he makes his comeback against Cagliari.

The midfielder starts this evening, his first game for 52 days after a thigh injury.

“We were waiting for his return and the work of the physiotherapists has been exceptional, but also the tenacity of this young lad,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Clearly he is back after two months out, so we cannot expect a world-beating performance today, but the important thing is he’s back on the field.”

Newspapers continue to speculate on offers from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

“I answer these questions every day,” sighed Marotta. “We know Pogba is one of the best young players in circulation, but we have repeated many times that he is fundamental for our future.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Man City to make Paul Pogba the highest
paid midfielder in the world?

City to offer Juve star record deal?

 
May 9, 2015

Mino Raiola will have the luxury of advising his client Paul Pogba which multimillion-pound deal is the best fit for him this summer, and the agent will be rubbing his hands with glee given various reports in the British media that the Juventus star may soon become the best paid midfielder in the world.

The papers claim that Manchester City are eager to beat the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and rivals Manchester United to the France international's signature, and will offer him an astronomical £250,000-a-week contract -- after tax -- in order to blow their competition out of the water.

According to the Mirror, City have lined up a deal worth £12.5 million-a-year net. Which comes out at around £385,000 a week before tax. Simply stunning.

Such a deal inevitably raises questions about the state of the modern game, but Pogba would be worth the wages and then some if he restores City to the top of the Premier League and helps them realise their potential in the Champions League.

[Socrates 8296]

 

City offer Toure for Pogba?

 
May 11, 2015

Reports in Britain claim Manchester City could offer Yaya Toure to Juventus as part of a deal to secure Paul Pogba.

The French midfielder only signed a new contract with the Bianconeri in October, but has nonetheless been linked with a move away from Italy.

The Guardian is today reporting that Manchester City have met with the Old Lady in Turin to discuss a possible move for the player.

Inter target Yaya Toure has been offered as a possible makeweight in the deal, with the English side also willing to offer Samir Nasri, Stevan Jovetic, Aleksandar Kolarov or Edin Dzeko should Juventus be open to including players in the deal.

The newspaper believes, however, that the Italian champions would seek a cash-only deal, with the asking price thought to be in the region of €100m.

The Guardian believes that City are the only club to have gone as far as visiting Turin for the player, although no formal bid has yet been made.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juventus Want €100m For FC Barcelona
And Man City Target Paul Pogba

 
May 12, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has emerged as the most sought after player of the transfer market as the likes of FC Barcelona, Man City and PSG are chasing the France international. The Old Lady management have made up their mind to sale their star midfielder now, and they have slapped the price tag of 100 million euros on the Frenchman.

The current midfield of Juventus, comprising of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Marchisio and Paul Pogba, is widely regarded as the best in the world. The young Frenchman is no doubt the crown jewel of Juventus’ enviable midfield and his excellent displays of last couple of years have not gone unnoticed in Europe.

Ever since his transfer from Manchester United to Juventus, Paul Pobgba has shown a great promise and he is now regarded as the most important player of Old Lady’s midfield, even ahead of Andrea Pirlo.

Considering the huge talent of Paul Pogba, some of Europe’s richest clubs are interested in his services.

FC Barcelona are looking for the heir of Xavi Hernandez and they see Paul Pogba as perfect candidate to carry on his legacy.

FC Barcelona are currently banned from dealing in the transfer market but they have a solution ready. They want to buy him now and loan him back to Juventus for another season.

Clubs who want to become giants with the help of petro dollars, Man City and PSG, are also interested in Paul Pogba but they have to spend within the limits of Financial Fair Play, which makes FC Barcelona the favorites to sign the midfielder.
Meanwhile, reports coming from Spain and Italy have also confirmed about the asking price of Juventus for Paul Pogba.

Spanish daily AS has claimed in its report that Juventus already feel Paul Pogba will leave this summer. The player has asked to be transferred and Juve, as AS has been told, have priced him up at €100m.

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Juninho tells Pogba to join Barcelona

The Brazilian believes the in-demand Juventus midfielder should not consider a move back to his native France.

 
May 14, 2015

Former Lyon midfielder Juninho has warned Juventus star Paul Pogba against signing for Paris Saint-Germain and believes a move to Barcelona would be his best option.

Pogba is expected to be a target for the majority of Europe's top clubs this summer, with PSG leading the chase having agreed an €80m fee with Juve for the 22-year-old.

The France international, who again impressed as Juve reached the Champions League final on Wednesday night with a 3-2 aggregate win over Real Madrid, is believed to have reservations about playing in Ligue 1 and Juninho says he should explore the other options available to him.

The Brazilian told RMC: "Barca, if they are able to buy him, would be good. Andres Iniesta's level has started to drop a bit and Barca could continue to win for years with Pogba in the team.

"With their style of play, a 4-3-3, it would be ideal. At Real Madrid he would need more time to adjust. I would choose Barca and I would never return to France."

Pogba signed a new five-year deal at Juve in October 2014 but that has not stopped the speculation regarding his future.

Talk of a move intensified last week when his agent Mino Raiola was spotted at Real Madrid's training base in Turin ahead of the first leg of their semi-final tie with the Bianconeri.

The player's representative was later quizzed over the former Manchester United man's future and refused to rule out a move to Carlo Ancelotti's side.

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Platini: I Don’t Know If Pogba Can
Reach The Level Of Messi And Ronaldo

 
May 17, 2015

Michel Platini has questioned whether or not Juventus star Paul Pogba has the ability to reach the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pogba has been linked with a multi-million euro move to the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Barcelona following a brilliant season with Juve in which they have won Serie A, and reached the final of both the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

“A star is a player capable of scoring a lot of goals,” the UEFA president said in an interview with RTL.

“I don’t know if Pogba will reach the level of Messi or Ronaldo in getting 50 goals a season.

“It should also be noted that when he loses the ball, his Juventus teammates immediately shouts at him.”

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Pogba is not yet a star,
he must score more! - Platini

The former Juventus midfielder feels his compatriot needs
to have more end product if he is to be considered a truly great player.

 
May 18, 2015

Michel Platini does not believe that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo because he does not score as many goals as the superstar duo.

The 22-year-old Pogba is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in the game today and has played a key role in the Serie A champions' successful 2014-15 campaign so far.

Nevertheless, Platini feels it is too early to compare his compatriot with Messi and Ronaldo and is not convinced he will ever be as prolific as the pair.

"Pogba a superstar? No, a superstar in football is someone who scores a lot of goals," Platini told RTL.

"I don't know whether Pogba is a player who can achieve the same things as Messi and Ronaldo. They score 50 goals a season.

"It is interesting to note that whenever he loses possession and the team gets into trouble, they all have a go at him."

Pogba has netted 10 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for Juventus so far this campaign.

He can still add to his tally in Wednesday's Coppa Italia final against Lazio, the remaining Serie A clashes with Napoli and Verona, and the Champions League final against Barcelona.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Bartomeu: Barcelona Are Obliged To Keep
Tabs On Players Like Pogba

 
May 22, 2015

Barcelona president Josep Marie Bartomeu has confirmed the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Juventus starlet Paul Pogba.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bianconeri after consistent performances in the Serie A since leaving Manchester United back in 2012, and Bartomeu admits the Spanish club have taken notice of the Frenchman.

“We follow many players, it is an obligation that Barcelona has,” Bartomeu told RAC1 when asked about Pogba.

“We are interested in different players who play with a style similar to ours.

Bartomeu also took time to praise Massimiliano Allegri’s Bianconeri side, warning Barcelona to avoid complacency ahead of the Champions League final between the two clubs on June 6.

“The final against Juventus? They have also won the Coppa Italia. They are a strong team with good players and a good coach. “