Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: United disrespected me

May 2, 2014

Paul Pogba has accused Manchester United of making him train alone and showing him a lack of respect before his July 2012 exit.

The Frenchman failed to agree a new contract at Old Trafford and after a handful of appearances, left the club on a Bosman to sign with Juventus.

Whilst the English club accused the player at the time of lacking respect, the 21-year-old has had his say on the affair.

“They didn’t want me to train with the first team or the reserves,” Pogba has revealed on BBC World Football Focus this week.

“Once I trained with the Under-18 team, I’ve trained alone and I’ve been in the gym. I said ‘I am not an athlete, I am a footballer’.

“They left me out because they said I wanted to leave. I think that is disrespect. Maybe they didn't think they were making a mistake.

“Manchester United is a big club but you have to think about yourself.

“You have to play. The Coach told me there would be space to play, but I wasn't playing.”

[Socrates 8295]

Paris Saint-Germain to offer
Verratti for Juventus star?

May 3, 2014

Juventus could be set to exchange Paul Pogba for Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti in a deal that could hit records in the market.

The Parisiens have been keen to capture the 21-year-old, insisting that the Frenchman would make the perfect iconic symbol at the club.

According to Tuttosport, Verratti is worth €35 million and would be part of the deal, this would help reduce the value of Pogba as he is estimated to be worth between €70-80 million.

Nothing has been set in stone as yet however PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reiterated that he wants the former Manchester United player and would not block any sort of deal if he can land him.

Pogba has made 52 appearances and scored 9 goals in all competitions this season, while Verratti has made 43 appearances.

[Socrates 8295]

Manchester City To Offer Two Players
Plus Cash For Juventus’ Pogba

May 3, 2014

Manchester City are reportedly set to offer Edin Dzeko, Aleksandar Kolarov and cash in return for Juventus’ Paul Pogba.

The French international had left City’s rivals Manchester United to join the Bianconeri on a free transfer in the summer of 2012, and recently gave an interview saying that his former club had disrespected him during his short tenure at Old Trafford.

According to Tuttosport, the Citizena are preparing a bid to bring in the 21-year-old to the Etihad Stadium and are willing to offer Dzeko, Kolarov and €40 million cash in return.

It is thought, La Vecchia Signora are looking at an amount close to €70 million for the talented youngster and could be prepared to sell him to the highest bidder.

The former Manchester United player highly regards Patrick Vieira as his idol with the latter recently declaring interest in bringing his prodigy to England proving to be the catalyst of this transfer.

Pogba has a contract with Juventus that expires in 2016 is rumoured to have been offered a new deal despite reports linking him to Real Madrid and PSG, as well as City.

[Socrates 8295]

Juve: Pogba out, Madrid trio in?

May 5, 2014

Juventus could be tempted into selling Paul Pogba to Real Madrid, but only if they receive up to three of their players.

Corriere dello Sport report this morning that the Bianconeri may be open to letting the France international leave the club, if they can prize away a number of Los Blancos’ stars in return.

Pogba has been heavily linked with a switch away from Turin over the past few months, with Real assistant Zinedine Zidane insistent that his side get the midfielder.

Antonio Conte’s men have always been reticent to let one of their best players leave, but the paper believes that a possible deal could be struck.

They suggest that Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Morata and Angel Di Maria could leave Santiago Bernabeu for the Old Lady.

All three of those names have been rumoured to be on their way out of the Spanish capital.

[Socrates 8295]

Nedved: 'Juve best for Pogba'

May 5, 2014

Pavel Nedved urged agent Mino Raiola to leave Paul Pogba at Juventus for his own good. “He mustn’t think about money.”

The midfielder is in the middle of contract renegotiation talks, as Juve have offered an extension until June 2018 and the French talent is considering his options.

“I spoke to Raiola, he mustn’t think about money but rather focus on what is best for the career growth of the player,” said Bianconeri director Nedved.

“The best thing for Pogba would be to stay at Juventus.”

Pogba is said to be worth upwards of €70m and wanted by Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona and more.

Nedved also commented on contract talks with Coach Antonio Conte amid rumours of an imminent split.

“He has a year left on his contract and certainly over the next few days he’ll speak to the President. Then they will be the ones to decide.”

[Socrates 8295]

'Don't think about money' - Nedved warns Pogba

The midfielder has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain recently
but his current employers are keen to ensure he remains at the club.

May 5, 2014

Juventus team manager Pavel Nedved has warned Paul Pogba against having his head turned by the financial riches on offer at other clubs and instead focus on his growth as a player.

The midfielder was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in January and reports continue to suggest the Ligue 1 champions are keen on securing his signature this summer.

However, Nedved believes Pogba will develop better as a player if he remains with the Bianconeri for the foreseeable future.

He said: "I think it would be better for his career to remain with Juventus. We want to keep him for as long as possible.

"I spoke with the player and not his agent Raiola. I told him to think about his growth as a player and not money."

Nedved then revealed the club will sit down with coach Antonio Conte this week and thrash out the details of a new contract after lifting their third straight Serie A title on Monday.

"In the coming days there will be a meeting to discuss a renewal of his contract. We want him to stay and we are working harder to improve this team even further."

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Juve move great for me'

May 6, 2014

Paul Pogba confessed he “wants to be like” Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo and his decision to quit Manchester United was “great.”

The 21-year-old Frenchman spoke to the BBC about his career and watching tapes of Pele and Diego Maradona.

He opted to leave Manchester United at the age of 19 when his contract expired and has gone from strength to strength in Turin.

“I’ve made a great decision coming here from Manchester United. I’m thankful to them every day because that’s where I gained the experience that prepared me for training with big players like Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio and Buffon. I’m grateful to United but now I’m at Juventus and I’m happy here.

“Being with Pirlo is just great – you learn every day with him and you just enjoy your football when you see him play. He’s been a top player for many years now and when you watch him you just want to be like him!

“I think I need to work my offensive headers because with my height I could score more goals from corner kicks. I think I need to improve on everything though – that’s what you need to do to be a complete player.”

Pogba will be in the France squad for the World Cup and is enjoying work with another ex-Juventus figure, Coach Didier Deschamps.

“It’s a dream to be involved in the World Cup with the senior side. We’re a good group and we get on out there on the pitch.

“When the Coach is an ex-player I think it’s easier because he understands us better. He can give me great advice, even more so because he used to play in the same position as me and he knows what comes with it. That’s something that can help a player like me.”

The same could also apply to Juventus boss Antonio Conte.

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola: Pogba can only leave if everyone agrees

After Pavel Nedved warned the midfielder against having his head turned by a big-money
offer, the player's agent admits the 21-year-old it is at an "honest club".

May 6, 2014

Paul Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, believes that his client would only leave Juventus if all parties want him to do so.

The Frenchman has found himself the subject of interest from across Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen on securing his services.

Juve director Pavel Nedved has insisted that he would develop best by remaining in Turin but his agent says he will only do what is best for the midfielder.

"Pavel knows that I will do my best for Pogba, as I always do for all of my clients," he told Tuttosport.

"And I know, in the same way, that Pavel does his best for the club.

"I knew that I brought Paul into an honest club. Pavel rates Paul enormously. Juve have just announced that Pogba is not for sale. We'll see in the next few meetings what will happen.

"Pogba doesn't have to leave at all costs - he's happy in Turin. We'll see further on. Pogba will only leave Juventus if everyone agrees to it and if we get the right offer at the right time."

[Socrates 8295]

‘If Pogba wants to stay…’

May 7, 2014

Gianluca Vialli has advised Juventus to determine their decision over Paul Pogba based on the player’s desire to stay or go.

Speculation is that the 21-year-old will be the subject of intense interest this summer from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid, even as Juve are seen as ready to treble his earnings in a bid to keep him.

For the Bianconeri’s former No 9, the right decision regarding Pogba’s future has to be made in accordance with the midfielder’s will.

“The first question I would ask is, does he want to stay or not? It is essential to understand this,” Vialli has considered to Tuttosport today.

“If Pogba says that his dream is to win the Champions League with Juve, then I would think twice about selling him.

“Because players of this ilk, beyond their technical value, bring something extra special to the group. You want these players around you, if you think you can continue to grow in Europe.

“And then you are also willing to give up so much money, because players of this type are priceless.

“But if Pogba has doubts about his future at Juventus and ambitions perhaps away from Turin, then it is right for Juve to think about it. And understand if there is a chance to optimise the situation, to see a fantastic player that everyone wants.

“From a similar situation emerged the sale of Zinedine Zidane, which earned enough money to have a big transfer spend themselves.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I want to be like Pirlo

The youngster has nothing but praise for the veteran midfielder
and has voiced his gratitude towards former club Manchester United.

May 7, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has voiced his admiration for team-mate Andrea Pirlo and says that he learns from the Italy international on a daily basis.

Pogba has formed a formidable partnership with the experienced playmaker in the centre of Juve's midfield since his arrival in Turin and the France international claims he wants to emulate the 34-year-old at the club.

"Being with Pirlo is just great – you learn every day with him and you just enjoy your football when you see him play," Pogba told the BBC.

"He's been a top player for many years now and when you watch him you just want to be like him."

Pogba joined Juventus on free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 and recently hit out at his former team for showing him a lack of respect while he was at the club.

However, the 21-year-old has now expressed his gratitude towards the Premier League club for preparing him for life among big-name players in Turin.

"I've made a great decision coming here from Manchester United," he said.

"I'm thankful to them every day because that's where I gained the experience that prepared me for training with big players like Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio and Buffon.

"I'm grateful to United but now I'm at Juventus and I'm happy here."

Pogba has a contract with the Serie A champions until June 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

Chelsea, United in Pogba race

May 8, 2014

Reports today list Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United as also interested in Juventus’ Paul Pogba this summer.

The 21-year-old only moved out to the Old Lady from Old Trafford in July 2012, at the expiry of his United contract, but is the subject of continued speculation over his future in Turin come the end of this season.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been listed as potentially plotting bids this summer for the midfielder’s services, including offering €3.5m more per season in wages than Juve’s reported maximum figure they can put in front of Pogba and his agent.

In Spain reports this week suggest that prospective new Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique has specifically requested that the Catalans make him their No 1 signing.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, however, report that competition is due now from the Premier League and specifically from Chelsea and Manchester United.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I've never thought
of leaving Juventus

The France international is reportedly being courted by Paris Saint-Germain
and Real Madrid but he says his dream is to win a fourth Scudetto with the Bianconeri.

May 9, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has insisted that he has never considered leaving the club.

The young Frenchman has been repeatedly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain after two glittering seasons in Turin.

However, he says that his head has never been turned and has no interest in a move away from his current side - even for Real Madrid.

"Where will I go? I'm here. I've got a contract with Juventus, so what are we talking about?" he told La Stampa.

"I've never talked about a transfer. I dream of winning a fourth Scudetto with Juventus. I've never said I wanted to play for Real Madrid. I just said they're a great team like Juve or Man United."

Pogba has scored nine goals in 47 appearances for Juventus this season.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba would thrive at PSG, says Thiago Silva

The Brazilian has admitted his admiration for the midfielder,
who has been constantly linked with a move to the French capital.

May 9, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has tipped Paul Pogba to have a big future - whether it lies at Juventus or the Parc des Princes.

The midfielder moved to Turin two years ago but has constantly been linked with a switch away from Serie A, with PSG reportedly keen admirers of his talents.

And the Brazil international says the 21-year-old Frenchman is destined to do great things no matter where he chooses to spend his peak years.

"Pogba is a great player with a great future," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"He has personality, the right mindset and quality to establish himself at the top, anywhere."

PSG's big spending in recent years is set to earn them a hefty fine from Uefa but Thiago Silva believes that punishing ambition makes no sense.

"It's not for me to say if it should be less, but the president told us that it won't change anything," the Selecao skipper stated. "But I fell it's a strange system. PSG is a growing club."

[Socrates 8295]

‘Juve don’t want to sell Pogba’

May 9, 2014

Mino Raiola has reiterated Paul Pogba’s future is at Juventus, as he comments that the Bianconeri ‘do not want to sell him’.

Pogba’s agent yesterday looked to put an end to transfer links to Paris Saint-Germain in particular by confirming that talks over a new deal with the Bianconeri will shortly begin.

On from that and the player’s own assertion that he has not considered an exit from Turin has come the message once more.

“Juventus have told me that they do not want to sell him,” Raiola has reiterated in today’s edition of Le Parisien.

“Paul is happy and soon we will enter into negotiations for the renewal of his contract that expires in two years.

“Anyway, I have never spoken to PSG about Pogba. I have proposed other players to the club, but now is not the time to talk about that.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I wish to stay at Juventus
and win the fourth Scudetto

May 9, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has finally broken the silence regarding the transfer rumors surrounding him by reassuring the Bianconeri supporters that he wants to stay at Turin and win another Scudetto the next season.

The French international has been one of the most impressive players in Italy this season, scoring nine goals and notching nine assists in fifty games in all competitions for the recently crowned Italian champions.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola dismissed any story linking his client from a move away from Italy, suggesting that he will be holding talks with the club about a contract extension, also claiming that his client is very happy at Juventus and that he does not want to move away from Turin.

The former Manchester United player spoke to La Stampa addressing the transfer rumours around him.

“Where will I go? I’m here, right? I’ve got a contract with Juventus. So what are we talking about? “, said Pogba.

“I have never thought of moving or spoken to anyone about making a transfer. I wish to stay at Juventus and I want to add another league title by winning the fourth Scudetto with Juve.

“Did Zinedine Zidane phone me? I would like to know from where this coming. Has anyone seen the number of Zidane on my phone? Or have I told anyone that Zidane has spoken to me over the phone?

“I have never said I want to play for Real Madrid. I have only said that Madrid are a great team like Juventus and Manchester United.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba in France World Cup squad

May 13, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is in France’s World Cup squad, but Adil Rami, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy miss out.

Coach Didier Deschamps announced his list of 23 players for the tournament, plus seven reserves.

The reserves include Napoli transfer target Maxime Gonalons, along with Lacazette, Cabella, Perrin, Ruffier, Schneiderlin and Tremoulinas.


France squad for World Cup

Goalkeepers: Mikael Landrau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)

Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris Saint-Germain), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

[Socrates 8295]

Deschamps: Pogba may be in talks

May 14, 2014

Didier Deschamps has urged Paul Pogba to focus on the World Cup this summer, but suggested his Juventus future may not be so clear.

The 21-year-old and his agent recently commented that the Bianconeri do not intend to sell him and that contract renegotiations are on the horizon.

However, after naming him in his 23-man France squad for the World Cup, his international Coach and a former Juve man himself believes that rumoured interest from the likes of Paris Saint-German and Real Madrid may not have ended.

“Juventus have said that he is unsellable? Unsellable is dangerous,” Deschamps has considered to reporters this week.

“Usually when you say a player is not for sale, it is to drive up the price, and then the wind can change very quickly.

“Paul is young and has great quality, he could be in the middle of negotiations.

“However, he and the others know that they are not going for a picnic at Club Med, we will be going to the World Cup - they must focus on what is awaiting them.”

[Socrates 8295]

Platini offers advice to Paul Pogba

May 15, 2014

UEFA president Michel Platini has told Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba not to forget what the Italian club have done for him if he feels the urge to leave this summer.

Pogba has frequently been linked with a move away from Turin after the World Cup with Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be monitoring his progress.

The former Manchester United midfielder has taken strides in his career since joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer in 2012 and he is now reported to be worth in excess of 50 million euros.

Should such a bid be forthcoming, it may be difficult for Juve to turn it down and Platini has advised his compatriot to choose his next club carefully, having experienced for himself the benefits of playing for the Old Lady.

"Players like Pogba have the chance to do what they want nowadays, so I don't know what he will do, but certainly he should remember that it is Juventus who have made him great," Platini told Tuttosport while in Turin for the Europa League final.

[Socrates 8295]

Verratti on Pogba, Pjanic and Brazil

May 17, 2014

Marco Verratti spoke of his World Cup dreams, while he hopes Paul Pogba and Miralem Pjanic can join him at PSG.

The 21-year-old spoke to Tuttosport after being included in the 30-man provisional Italy squad.

“In Italy there are such great players, so to be part of this group is very important. Now I must try to get into the final list of 23, because playing in a World Cup is the dream of every young man,” said Verratti.

“If I do not get called up for the trip to Brazil, it would be disappointing, but I’d accept it with the utmost calm, as it means someone else would have deserved it more than me.

“In any case, I’d watch every game to cheer on the Azzurri as a fan. I hope Italy can go all the way. We’re in a tough group, so getting through that means being aware you can challenge anyone. Italy always tend to raise their game against the big nations.”

They are in the group with England, Costa Rica and Uruguay, with training beginning on Monday at Coverciano.

Verratti has been earmarked as the heir to Andrea Pirlo in the Italy midfield, but possibly at Juventus too.

“I play in a different position now, further forward, but it takes time to reach his level. The thing I have in common with Pirlo is that we try never to give the ball away. I’d like to learn from him the ability to know what he’s going to do ahead of time.”

Verratti has been repeatedly linked with Juve, but assures his future is safe at Paris Saint-Germain.

“It was a wise choice to come here. Receiving the award as best young player of Ligue 1 was wonderful, especially as it was voted for by my colleagues.

“I was sure Juventus would say Pogba was not for sale, as they are not a club who sell their champions. Pogba is already a champion and I’m certain he’ll get even stronger. Juve want to buy players like this, not sell them.

“I’d like to play alongside Pogba, of course. Juventus had a great coup by signing him on a free transfer.”

Paris Saint-Germain had been linked with a €70m swoop for France midfielder Pogba this summer, while they were interested in Pjanic before he extended his Roma contract this week.

“If I had to choose a Serie A player to bring to PSG, it would be Pjanic,” continued Verratti in Tuttosport.

“I really like him and he could make our fortune. I know he renewed with Roma, but he’s so talented and loves playing football. I always like to see players like this.

“Winning the Champions League is an objective for this club, but it’s a long road ahead of us. Now I am focusing on the World Cup and preparing to be in the best shape.

“Everything came to me so quickly in my life that I’ve never really thought about the future. I look only at the present, as my future will be a consequence of that.”

[Socrates 8295]

Barca: Cesc out, Pogba in?

May 19, 2014

Reports in Spain this afternoon claim that Barcelona will make a move for Paul Pogba, but only if Cesc Fabregas leaves.

There have been heavy rumours that the Spain international is open to a move away from Camp Nou this summer, following a disappointing campaign.

The former Arsenal man has been a perennial substitute in the big games for the Blaugrana this term, and Manchester United are thought to be keen on bringing him back to England for the new campaign.

If the 27-year-old does then depart for Old Trafford, Marca believe that the Catalan giants will try and bolster their midfield by signing the Juventus man.

The France international has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I’ve had to make sacrifices

May 20, 2014

Paul Pogba has explained the ‘sacrifices’ and difficult moments he has faced this season in adapting to increased playing time for Juventus.

The 21-year-old became a regular under Antonio Conte this term and in all competitions for club and country this term managed 63 appearances.

“This year will remain in my memory because it was harder, longer and I had to make many sacrifices,” Pogba has reflected to L’Equipe today.

“I had to make many sacrifices because playing every three days implies responsibilities. You cannot relax and do whatever you want.

“My season can be summarised as training-match-rest, training-match-rest. It was only that. You go out less, you see your friends less.

“You try to eat well, rest well, take more care in order to recover a bit faster. But professionally, you learn and you grow.”

Pogba admitted that during the season he did experience a period of doubt.

“It was a difficult time because I was getting tired, I was not at the top, not as efficient as at the beginning. But I also know that the biggest names in football have been there.

“These are things that are a part of your career - there are times when you are happy and times when you are sad, because I had never played so much in a season up to then.

“It’s hard, you mean well, but you cannot do it. I was not good and it was a really difficult time. I doubted myself.

“But it was weird because around me, everyone was convinced that I was going to bounce back.

“I now feel better, I want to give the best of myself and I really hope to perform for the national team.

“Playing in a World Cup, I had dreamt of this since childhood. For me, it is a dream come true.”

The midfielder has been the subject of continued speculation linking him with a move away from Juventus, until he and his agent both recently alluded to future contract talks with the club.

“‘Pogba is going here, Pogba is going there’, whereas I said nothing. I have not even talked to my club about anything and there is nothing.

“Did Zinedine Zidane call me? I received no call and I have not changed my number recently.”

[Socrates 8295]

Chelsea to go for Pogba?

May 24, 2014

Chelsea are reportedly considering using their cash windfall from selling David Luiz to make a bid for Juventus’ Paul Pogba.

The sale of the Brazilian defender to Paris St Germain for £40m has been agreed, with the player now free to discuss personal terms with the big-spending French outfit.

Once the deal has been completed, the Telegraph claim that Jose Mourinho will make Pogba one of his major summer transfer targets.

It is said that the French midfielder is one of a three-man shortlist, which also includes Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Tottenham’s Paulinho, that the Portuguese has put together as he seeks to strengthen his midfield for next season.

[Socrates 8295]

Mavuba backs Pogba for WC stardom

May 24, 2014

Rio Mavuba has claimed that his France international teammate Paul Pogba has the quality to shine at the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ men have been drawn in Group E for the tournament, alongside Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

And the Lille midfielder has insisted that the Juventus youngster has everything to set the world alight this summer.

“It’s really nice to see Coach Deschamps putting faith in [Paul],” he told Tuttosport.

“He’s exploded with Juventus and with France in recent times.

“Paul has great potential and is good with dealing with pressure, so I’m sure he’ll be fine at the World Cup.

“We’re great friends. I’m always with him – even at the dinner table!”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I've progressed as a player

May 25, 2014

Paul Pogba hopes that the progress he has made at Juventus this season will stand him in good stead at the World Cup.

The young midfielder has become one of the lynchpins of the Bianconeri XI this term, and is confident that his club form can translate on to the international stage this summer.

“I have made great progress as a player this season,” he told Telefoot.

“I’m not used to playing so many games, but I think that experience will help me as a player.

“I’ve been excited by the World Cup ever since I was a kid. It’s been my dream to play at one ever since I can remember.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba eyeing World Cup glory with France

The Juventus midfielder believes he has made great strides as a player
this season and wants to prove that on the biggest stage of all next month.

May 25, 2014

Paul Pogba says he is targeting winning the World Cup with France this summer and cannot wait for the competition to get started.

The 21-year-old Juventus midfielder tasted victory with Les Bleus at the Under-20 World Cup in 2013 and was named as Player of the Tournament in Turkey.

Pogba is now eager to replicate that experience with the senior side in Brazil and is enthusiastic at the prospect of testing himself against the world's best players.

"For me it is a dream to play the World Cup," he told Telefoot.

"Hopefully we will go all the way and win the competition. I played in a World Cup last summer so I'm a little used to what it is like.

"It is a long time away so I am going to have to do little tricks off the pitch to keep up morale, playing things like Playstation and table football.

"Ever since I was a kid I have been thinking of playing at the World Cup – I am super excited."

The former Manchester United midfielder has been linked with a big-money move away from the Serie A champions this summer, but believes his experiences with Juve in 2013-14 have improved him as a player.

Pogba continued: "I have made great progress this year. I played in a lot of games, which is something that I was not used to.

"I have gained a lot of experience and I am happy with myself."

France, who last won the World Cup in 1998, are up against Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras in Group E next month.