Paul Pogba

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Chelsea make Pogba top transfer target

With the Blues having already negotiated a deal for Diego Costa, they will turn their
attentions to the Juventus midfielder as Jose Mourinho looks to further strengthen his squad.

May 28, 2014

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Chelsea have made Paul Pogba their top midfield target this summer, Goal can reveal.

The Londoners will use the £40 million raised by the sale of David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain to part-fund a bid for the former Manchester United man.

Goal understands that Juventus are determined to keep hold of their prize asset but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer in the region of £65m.

Jose Mourinho has made it clear to the Chelsea hierarchy that he wants a marquee central midfielder to partner January signing Nemanja Matic next season.

Pogba has established himself at Juve following his free transfer from United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season.

Mourinho is convinced that the France international, 21, will develop into one of the world's finest midfielders and can be a driving force for Chelsea next season.

The Blues have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent, Mino Raiola, has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions.

Chelsea have freed up a place in their squad and on their wage bill after announcing on Friday that they had agreed to sell Luiz to PSG, subject to a medical and personal terms.

The west Londoners are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team whom he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory.


VIEW FROM ITALY

Sergio Chesi | Goal Italy

Juventus insist that they are not willing to sell Pogba and they want to reach an agreement over a contract extension but the player and his camp do not seem in any hurry.

Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, is aware that there is likely to be interest in his client this summer which will enhance their negotiating position.

The Serie A champions are also aware of the interest in the player from the likes of PSG and, although their priority is to keep hold of the Frenchman, they could well be tempted into a sale if they were to receive a crazy offer.

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Benzema wants Pogba to join Madrid

The striker wants his France international team-mate to leave Juventus
for the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, amidst rumours the midfielder could be sold.

May 31, 2014

Karim Benzema wants Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to jump ship for Real Madrid this summer as transfer rumours continue to swirl regarding the young midfielder's future.

The Blancos have been linked with a mega-money move for the 21-year-old France international for months now, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also fellow admirers of the former Manchester United youth prospect.

Benzema, who will line up alongside Pogba at the World Cup this summer, would love his international team-mate to come to the Santiago Bernabeu should he decide to leave Turin in the upcoming transfer window.

"He’s a young player playing at a big European club. He gets better with each game and he’s at a high level and will continue to work hard," the Madrid striker told reporters.

"I would love him to leave for Madrid, because he’s French and can become a great player."

Benzema says his recovery from a minor muscle injury is going positively and dismissed concerns he is an injury doubt for the World Cup as Didier Deschamps' men prepare for a friendly against Paraguay.

"My adductor is healing, it's much better, there's nothing to worry about," the forward added.

"I started to run again and I work with the physios, it's evolving in the right way. Now I have to keep working but don't be worried, it's much better than when I played in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid."

Benzema and Pogba are expected to be prominent players in France's attempt to win the World Cup, starting with group stage games against Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

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'Pirlo is my hero' - Pogba

The France international says he is lucky to share the field with the Italy star
and admits his time at Manchester United is the low point of his career to date.

May 31, 2014

Paul Pogba has said Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo is his sporting hero and has admitted he tries to emulate the Italy international.

The 21-year-old has been a vital component to the Serie A champions since his move from Manchester United in 2012, cementing a place in Antonio Conte's starting XI alongside Arturo Vidal and Pirlo en route to winning back-to-back Serie A titles.

And the France international admitted that he feels fortunate to be able to feature alongside his role model.

"I am lucky that I get to play with my hero - Andrea Pirlo," he told Mail Sport. "I make no secret I want to become like him. He has won everything, and he has won it playing such an important role."

The midfielder was then asked about the high and low points of his career so far and he confessed his time at Old Trafford fell under the latter category, as he says he didn't feel respected at the English outfit.

"I can’t choose between the two league titles with Juventus and winning my first international cap for
France. They were both very special.

"My time at Manchester United [is the worst of my career]. Of course when you are at such a big club you understand you need to be patient for your chance, but I did not feel respected or valued as a player or a man."

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Pogba denies Daily Mail comments

Jun 1, 2014

Paul Pogba has confirmed that comments attributed to him in a Daily Mail interview are in fact false.

SportsMail ran an interview on Saturday – which was also reported here – claiming to have been with the Juventus midfielder.

In it, the French youngster was supposed to have said that he was ‘disrespected’ by Manchester United, and revealed that Andrea Pirlo was his sporting idol.

However, via his official Twitter account this afternoon, Pogba has insisted that the quotes are not true.

“The Daily Mail has falsely attributed words to Paul that are causing social media reaction,” a statement read.

“Paul wishes to say he has never been interviewed by the Daily Mail, SportsMail or [journalist] Mr David Kent, who he is happy to have never met.

“Paul reserves the right to take all appropriate legal actions.

“The Pogfamily.”

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Pogba valued at €66m

Jun 4, 2014

Juventus’ Paul Pogba has been given a transfer value of €66m by a team of expert football economists.

An investigation took place in the Swiss town of Neuchatel and rated the young French international as the sixth most valuable player in the World.

The five above him are Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Barca’s Neymar.

21-year-old Pogba has already won two Scudetti since making the move to Turin from Manchester United, as well as establishing himself in the France national side.

His performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, including big-spending Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain, though Juve are determined to keep hold of him.

However, speaking to France Football today, head of the investigation Raffaele Poli said it might make sense for the Old Lady to sell now.

“If Pogba doesn’t renew his contract that expires in June 2016 and things stay as they are, his value in a year wouldn’t be above €50m anymore,” Poli said.

“Suddenly, you see it’s not inconceivable that if a club offer more than €60m [this summer], Juventus may let him move so that they have the resources to strengthen.”

The investigation also claimed Pogba to be more valuable than Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, who was ‘clearly overpaid for’ by the Spanish side last summer when they forked out €100m to prise the player away from Tottenham Hotspur.

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Man Utd want Pogba

Jun 8, 2014

Reports in the British Press this morning claim that Manchester United have been quoted £60m if they want to sign Paul Pogba.

The France international has become a lynchpin for the Bianconeri ever since his move from Old Trafford to Turin in 2012.

The young midfielder has grown exponentially under Antonio Conte and is now considered to be one of the best players in Europe.

As such, The Observer believe that the Premier League outfit are keen to re-sign the player they let go only two years’ ago.

The paper indicates that United deem £60m to be a reasonable amount for a player of Pogba’s age and ability, but are hesitant because of the 21-year-old’s brash attitude.

As a teenager, he was one of the few players to speak out against Sir Alex Ferguson, but the club do admit that they made mistake in letting him leave on a free.

New boss Louis Van Gaal is a fan of Pogba, but would also like to sign Kevin Strootman from Roma once he recovers from knee surgery.

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Prandelli: Pogba the best midfielder in the world

The France international is just 21 but the Azzurri coach says that the Juventus ace
is without equal because of his versatility, and exceptional physical and technical attributes.

Jun 8, 2014

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has described Paul Pogba as the best midfielder in the world.

The Juventus ace is just 21 years of age but has already established himself as one of the top players in Serie A, playing a key role in the Bianconeri's last two title triumphs.

In his role as Azzurri coach, Prandelli has had the fortune to watch Pogba in action on a regular basis and he says the France international is currently peerless.

"Pogba is the best midfielder in the world," the 56-year-old told L'Equipe. "He can play in several roles. He has exceptional physical and technical capabilities.

"He knows when to arrive in the area and how to cause the opposition trouble. Moreover, he has a very strong character."

Prandelli is currently preparing Italy for this summer's World Cup, at which Pogba is expected to star with Les Bleus.

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Bolt to Pogba: Next time will be different

Les Bleus demolished the Reggae Boyz 8-0 on Sunday and the Juventus midfielder
and his team-mates used the Jamaican athlete's iconic pose in celebration.

Jun 9, 2014

Usain Bolt has replied to Paul Pogba on Twitter after the Juventus midfielder goaded the Jamaican Olympic sprinter following France's 8-0 victory over the Reggae Boyz on Friday.

Pogba posted a picture of himself, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann striking the athlete's famous 'lightening' celebration after the game, adding the phrase 'French Lightening.'

Paul Pogba ✔ @paulpogba
French Lightning!!! @Benzema @AntoGriezmann @usainbolt (The Pogfamily)

And the six-time Olympic goal medalist replied on Monday, insisting it will be different when the two sides meet again.

Usain St. Leo Bolt ✔ @usainbolt
Good game.next time will b different

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'It's good to play in a World Cup
but winning is even better,' says Pogba

The France midfielder hopes that victory in Brazil is not beyond him and his team-mates,
and has set his sights on a successful tournament in the heart of the Bleus' midfield.

Jun 11, 2014

Paul Pogba has not abandoned hope of France emulating their 1998 World Cup success in Brazil, and has revealed his desire to make an impact this summer.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's most promising young players after impressing in Juventus' midfield last season, scoring seven goals in 36 league games as the Bianconeri secured the Serie A title.

Pogba, who already has ten senior caps to his name, intends to do whatever he can to ensure the Bleus are competitive and do more than simply make up the numbers in Brazil.

"I've begun to realise my dream," he told L'Equipe, when asked about making Didier Deschamps' squad.

"I'm happy, proud of myself, but it is not finished. It's good to play a World Cup but winning would be even better. I hope we will go very far.

"I do not feel like an undisputed first-teamer; I just feel like a France player. My role is to give my maximum, to give everything I have. To play my football, that's all."

Pogba has allegedly attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the midfielder insists he is focused only on his own progress and development.

"Raising my game, that's what I hope to achieve," he continued.

"I work to be the best possible. After that, I know my game. People think I'm lazy, that I play without effort. But that's what my football has been like since I was little. This does not prevent me from being focused. I do my best, always.

"I'll never be a star. I love football. I give my life to football. After that, if I can enjoy myself, I'll be happy."

France face Honduras on Sunday in Porto Alegre to kick off their World Cup campaign.

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Pogba on Juve-France differences

Jun 11, 2014

Paul Pogba concedes he’ll have to “limit attacking runs” with France at the World Cup compared to Juventus.

“We are a solid group and aim to do better than 2010,” the midfielder told journalists in Brazil.

“Didier Deschamps is a Coach who won the World Cup in 1998, so that is a big advantage. Are we afraid? Not remotely, as it’s a pleasure to be here and we want to give pleasure to the rest of our country too.

“Playing in the World Cup is the dream of every player, but winning is even better. I always work to improve and to be the best. I know that I’ll never be a star, but I love football and give my life for this sport."

The 21-year-old scored nine goals and provided 16 assists in all club games this season, but has to take a different approach with Les Bleus.

“Deschamps asks me to perform to the max, to play my football and give 100 per cent. Here I will have less freedom when defending than I do with Juve and must limit my attacking runs.”

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Lloris warns Pogba over reaction

Jun 16, 2014

France captain Hugo Lloris has revealed that he had a word with Paul Pogba at half-time during their 3-0 win over Honduras.

The Juventus youngster reacted by kicking out at Wilson Palacios following a bad foul by the Stoke midfielder during the first half in the game at Porto Alegre on Sunday.

Both men received a yellow card for their actions, and the goalkeeper has warned the 21-year-old that he will be a target because of his quality.

“We all had a word with Pogba at half time,” he told reporters. “Paul’s still young, but he must not react to provocation like that.

“I think the referee was smart on that occasion though.

“The game is decided on small details like that, and luckily for us, it went in our favour this time.”

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Veron: Pogba & Vidal the World
Cup's best midfielders

The former Argentina international believes that the Juventus duo are a class part,
hailing the pair for their ability to make a difference in any game.

Jun 21, 2014

Juan Sebastian Veron has hailed Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal as the best midfielders on show at this summer's World Cup.

The pair are team-mates at Juventus, whom they helped to a record points haul during last season's Serie A title-winning campaign.

Veron has been particularly impressed by what he has seen in Brazil from Pogba, who won a penalty in France's tournament opener against Honduras before creating a goal for Karim Benzema in the 5-2 demolition of Switzerland with a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass after coming on as substitute.

Indeed, the former Argentina international believes that the 21-year-old is the most outstanding talent in an exciting Bleus line-up that has already racked up eight goals in two games.

"I'm surprised by France: they are young, but already strong," Veron told RMC. "But then, these are guys who have grown up at big clubs.

"The best example is Paul Pogba. He plays with a lot of intensity and is very offensive. Every team would like to have him.

"This kind of player is rare. I'm very impressed by him. He's the best midfielder at the World Cup along with the Chilean, Arturo Vidal. These are two unpredictable players that can always make the difference."

Pogba's France need only a point from their final fixture to progress to the last 16, while Vidal's Chile are already through, having booked their place in the knockout stages by dumping reigning champions Spain out of the competition.

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Deschamps 'did not punish Pogba'

Jun 22, 2014

France Coach Didier Deschamps assures he “did not punish” Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

The 21-year-old risked dismissal for reacting to a foul in the win over Honduras and then started from the bench in a 5-2 victory over Switzerland.

“That was not a sanction against the fact that he could have received a red card in the first game,” insisted Deschamps in a Press conference.

“It was a choice with respect to Moussa Sissoko. Paul has huge potential, I trust him, and he knows that.

“He is capable of doing very good things. But I cannot play all players.”

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Pogba happy with France progress

The 21-year-old believes that Les Bleus will continue the fine form that
they've shown at the World Cup despite their goalless draw with Ecuador on Wednesday.

Jun 26, 2014

Paul Pogba insists France are in no way disappointed following their underwhelming goalless draw with Ecuador on Wednesday.

Didier Deschamps' men progressed into the second round of the World Cup having topped Group E with two wins and a draw after their stalemate with the South American side.

A much-changed XI were far from their fluent best against their opponents who were reduced to 10 men when Antonio Valencia was dismissed early in the second half.

However, despite failing to break down Reinaldo Rueda's side, Pogba does not expect the result to slow France down ahead of their last-16 clash with Nigeria.

"We played well and put in the performance that was expected of us, but we didn't get the result we deserved," he told Fifa.com.

"All we lacked was a bit of a break in front of goal, that’s all.

"I don't think this match will have any kind of negative effect on our confidence. We drew, we didn't lose. That's an important distinction."

France's unbeaten group stage campaign is a step forward from their shambolic campaign in South Africa four years ago when they crashed out with just a point, and Pogba believes les Bleus can be proud of their efforts this time around.

"We can be satisfied with how we did overall and with our qualification for the knockout stages," he added.

"It could have been Argentina [who France booked a tie with in the last-16], or another team, but no matter who it is, our goals of winning and getting as far as possible in the tournament don't change. We're doing everything we can to achieve those aims."

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Chelsea step up Pogba pursuit

The Londoners are putting together the most lucrative package in the club's history
to entice the highly rated France midfielder, who is valued at around €75 million by Juventus.

Jun 27, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent

Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Paul Pogba by preparing to offer him the most lucrative contract in their history, Goal understands.

The Londoners are putting together what sources say is a "staggering" package to entice the French sensation to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Cesc Fabregas joined Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres and John Terry in the top bracket of Chelsea earners on the playing staff when he transferred from Barcelona earlier this month for €35 million in a deal worth a basic €225,000 a week.

Owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction an even more lucrative offer for Pogba, who Jose Mourinho wants to pair in central midfield with Nemanja Matic next season.

With Fabregas earmarked for the No.10 playmaker role, Mourinho wants Pogba, who he believes will develop into one of the world’s finest midfielders, to be the driving force from a deeper position.

The 21-year-old, who started for France on Wednesday night in their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, has established himself at Juventus following his free transfer from Manchester United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season.

Goal understands that Juve are determined to keep hold of their prize asset but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer that meets their €75m-plus valuation.

The Stamford Bridge club have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent Mino Raiola has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions.

The club will to have to offer Pogba a vastly improved contract to fend off interest from Chelsea and keep him in Italy next season.

His current deal has two years to run and Giuseppe Marotta, the general manager of the Serie A club, said last month: "We intend to extend Pogba's contract and we have already spoken with his agent. Paul is a smart guy and this is the perfect place for him to improve further. You cannot imagine him leaving Juventus."

The west Londoners have already been active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team that he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Fabregas is expected to be followed through the entrance door by Atletico Madrid pair Diego Costa and Filipe Luis for a combined €70m. Costa has agreed to join Chelsea in a deal worth €43m and Luis is in advanced talks over a €26m switch.

However, David Luiz has agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain for an initial €50m and the Londoners have freed up space on their wage bill by releasing high earners Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.


VIEW FROM ITALY
Sergio Chesi | Goal Italy

Juventus are determined to keep Pogba as they consider him a huge player both for now and the future as they look to retain their place among the European elite and improve on recent poor showings in the Champions League.

Juve's ambition is to renew the player's contract but, particularly in the recent history of Italian football, everyone has their price.

Juventus would, therefore, be willing to discuss a Pogba move if they were to receive a monster offer of around €75 million. Were he to make a major impact in the latter stages of the World Cup his value would soar even further.

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Chelsea bid €75m for Pogba?

Jun 28, 2014

English newspapers maintain Chelsea are prepared to pay £60m (€75m) for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

According to the Daily Star, Jose Mourinho’s side believe the 21-year-old Frenchman is the ideal replacement for Frank Lampard.

This would be a new transfer record for Chelsea, surpassing the £50m they paid for Fernando Torres in 2011.

However, that figure is still below the Juve asking price of €100m (£80m).

The Bianconeri snapped Pogba up on a free transfer when he failed to agree a new contract with Manchester United.

He is now at the centre of a bidding war between Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal and his old club Manchester United.

Roman Abramovich is spending big this summer, as he has already signed Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona for £30m and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is on the verge of a similar switch.

The Stamford Bridge side has fresh funds from selling Juan Mata to Manchester United and David Luiz to PSG for a combined £97m.

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Pogba happy at Juventus, says agent

Mino Raiola has ruled out any transfer while France remain in the World Cup,
but he feels the 21-year-old's immediate future will be with the Serie A champions.

Jun 30, 2014

The agent of Paul Pogba says his client is unlikely to leave Juventus ahead of the 2014-15 season, despite Chelsea's interest in the midfielder.

Goal understands the Blues have prepared a lucrative package to entice the French youngster to Stamford Bridge, though they would have to fork out at least €75 million [£60m] for him to be allowed to leave Turin.

But Mino Raiola has insisted that while France remain in the World Cup no transfers will be discussed, though a move from the Serie A champions does not seem likely.

"We have decided not to speak of the transfer market with regards to Paul until after the World Cup," he told Rai Sport.

"But I can calmly say that his future will still be at Juventus, where he feels very happy."

Chelsea have already signed Cesc Fabregas, but with Jose Mourinho keen to play the Spaniard in an advanced role behind the striker, Pogba is seen as someone who can drive the team forward from a deeper position.

The 2013-14 Champions League semi-finalists had hoped the former Manchester United trainee would be open to a return to the Premier League, though Juventus had previously outlined their determination for him to stay.

And this latest development will please the hierachy at La Vecchia Signora, who are hopeful the 21-year-old will sign a new contract with Antonio Conte's side.

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The best young player in the world?
Pogba makes the difference for off-colour France

Didier Deschamps’ men were second-best for large parts of the game, but eventually
scraped through following the Juventus man’s header and a late Joseph Yobo own goal.

Jun 30, 2014

By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia

Going into the game, France were widely regarded as the favourites to reach the quarter-finals at the expense of Nigeria.

Les Bleus had impressed in the group stages against Honduras and Switzerland, while the Africans had only made it to the knockout stages after a controversial win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Yet as soon as Monday’s game at the Estadio Mane Garrincha kicked off, it was clear that Didier Deschamps’ men were in for a tough afternoon.

Nigeria showed right from the off that they had no intention of letting France play the free-flowing attacking football that won them so many admirers in previous games. Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Valbuena hardly saw the ball in the opening 45 minutes, while Ahmed Musa, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Emenike caused their opponents all kinds of trouble with their physicality and direct style of play.

The most interesting battle was fought out in midfield, with Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi going head to head with John Obi Mikel and Ogneyi Onazi.

There were doubts before the game as to whether the Juventus man or Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko would start, but Deschamps opted for Pogba in the end – and the youngster proved his boss right with a superb display.

The 21-year-old provided his back four with excellent cover when needed, made a number of important interceptions, won his fair share of his personal duels and got involved going forward whenever possible, too.

Pogba first came close in the 23rd minute after a quick one-two with Valbuena, only to see Victor Enyeama pull off a superb save to deny him.

The energetic midfielder continued to be a major threat, though, and eventually made the difference for France when he headed home into an empty net after Enyeama failed to clear a corner kick in the 79th minute.

By then, the French had seized the initiative after a difficult opening hour – and there’s no denying the introduction of Antoine Griezmann played a major role in the outcome of the game.

With Giroud up front, France looked shorn of ideas and lacked mobility, but things changed as soon as the Real Sociedad man came on. He first created a good chance for Benzema, who saw his effort saved by Enyeama, and then played a big role in the second goal as he forced Joseph Yobo into turning the ball into his own net.

France will now have to deal with either Germany or Algeria in the quarter-finals and Deschamps might very well decide to give Griezmann another chance to prove his worth right from the start in Les Bleus’ next game.

And if not, there’s always Pogba to fall back on. Earlier this year, Jose Mourinho stressed that Eden Hazard was the best young player in the world. The France fans might have another opinion about that, however. At the tender age of 21, Pogba is already taking the national side by the scruff of the neck. And there’s only more to come.

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‘Pogba? Not the time to leave’

Jun 30, 2014

In between words on Mario Balotelli, Mino Raiola has reiterated that Paul Pogba’s future for now is at Juventus.

Speculation was ever increasing over the Frenchman’s future in Turin at one stage heading into the market, before both the player and his agent publicly stated his desire to stay, on from the club’s indication that they did not want to sell.

Whilst discussing and defending Mario Balotelli after the fallout from Italy’s World Cup elimination this summer, Mino Raiola took the opportunity to briefly also update on Pogba, who is still in action for his country in Brazil.

“With Pogba we chose a clear line - during the World Cup we will not talk about the market,” Raiola has told Rai Sport.

“The guy is at Juventus and happy and does not want to leave.

“The situation today is clam and it is not the moment to leave Juve. Everything is still and quiet.”

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Pogba: One of my best moments

Jun 30, 2014

Paul Pogba has described his 79th minute goal for France against Nigeria as one of the best moments of his life.

The scores were still level at 0-0 in the World Cup Last 16 tie when the Juventus man took advantage of Super Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama flapping at a corner, heading the ball into an empty net.

A late Joseph Yobo own goal made it 2-0 and, speaking to FIFA’s official website after the end of the game, the young midfielder was lost for words to describe his emotion.

“There are no words, I have no words to describe what we are showing,” Pogba said.

“We have a whole nation behind us, I am happy for the team.

“It’s definitely the biggest emotion of my career. We are in the quarter-finals and it is one of the best moments of my life.”

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Pogba will be one of the world's best - Benzema

France striker believes his 21-year-old team-mate will develop into an elite player,
while his midfield partner, Blaise Matuidi, was also full of praise after win over Nigeria.

Jul 1, 2014

Paul Pogba will develop into one of the world's best players, according to France team-mate Karim Benzema.

Although the 21-year-old has been criticised for periods of inconsistency in recent months, he is viewed as arguably the best young player in Europe, having starred for Juventus and France over the last two years.

The midfielder put in an excellent display for Les Bleus in their World Cup second round meeting with Nigeria, scoring the first goal in their 2-0 victory with just over 10 minutes left.

Benzema feels the youngster has shown that he will continue to grow in stature and become one of the world's elite players.

"He was criticised? We don't watch the same games," the Real Madrid striker said.

"He is a great player. He will be one of the best players in the world."

Pogba's midfield partner Blaise Matuidi also leapt to his defence, saying: "He is a young player, you tend to forget. His goal was a great responce in the big moments. Congratulations to him."

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Pogba will become best in the world, insists Ferdinand

The former Manchester United defender says his one-time colleague has what it takes
to become a world-beater and has also lifted the lid on why the Frenchman quit Old Trafford.

Jul 3, 2014

Rio Ferdinand believes former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba is well on his way to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world.

The ex-England international witnessed the Juventus star’s development first hand at Old Trafford before he moved to Serie A in the summer of 2012.

And now, after seeing the 21-year-old deliver on the World Cup stage for France, Ferdinand is certain Pogba - who is wanted by Chelsea - is well on his way to joining the game’s elite.

"Paul told me before he left that he wanted to be 'the best player in the world,'" the 35-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I don't know whether that will happen, but he will definitely turn out to be the best midfielder in the world.

"As well as his undoubted ability, his strength is definitely his self-belief, not just by statements like that but by how he backs them up.

"He made the big, bold move to leave United, the best club in the world in my eyes, at only 19 because he wanted opportunities. He backed himself to do it, which is a big thing to do for a kid of his age, and he has not looked back since.

"You have to have that arrogance about you as a young player coming through at United, otherwise you sink. You won't make it."

Ferdinand also hinted at the real reason behind Pogba’s acrimonious departure from United, ahead of the Frenchman's possible return to the Premier League with Chelsea.

It was long thought that Pogba's omission from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to face Blackburn in December 2011, the manager’s birthday, was the main motive for his departure and the former United captain confirmed that played a significant role.

Ferdinand said: "I think he left because he felt disrespected that he did not play in a particular game when a few players were played out of position in midfield."

[Socrates 8296]

Saha: Manchester United made mistake
in letting Pogba leave

The ex-Red Devils forward believes Sir Alex Ferguson made an error in allowing
the France international to leave for Juventus and admitted he reminds him of Patrick Vieira.

Jul 5, 2014

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha feels the Old Trafford outfit made a mistake in allowing Paul Pogba to leave the club.

The midfielder was allowed to leave for Juventus in 2012 after just three senior appearances, and has gone onto forge an excellent reputation at both club and international level.

His performances at the World Cup for France have caught the attention of supporters and scouts alike, with Chelsea believed to be preparing a lucrative package to lure him from Turin to Stamford Bridge.

And Saha, who scored 28 Premier League goals in 52 starts for the Red Devils, believes Sir Alex Ferguson made a rare error in allowing the 21-year-old to depart the club.

"It's not often I will criticise Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson but it's clearly one of their biggest mistakes," he talkSport.

"He's clearly a talent. He's a confident player and he's always trying to improve. He's got a lot of aggression but he's got so much potential to improve."

Saha also claimed that Pogba reminded him of former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in his playing style, with his ability to play in both defensive and attacking roles a key attribute.

"He's been very important for France and showed in the last game [a 2-0 win over Nigeria] he can score goals and he can dictate the midfield area.

"He was very strong in his desire to go forward and he is a great box-to-box player. He reminds me of Patrick Vieria but maybe with a bit more style."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: Pirlo and Scholes idols

Jul 4, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba classes Andrea Pirlo and Paul Scholes as the two main idols of his career so far.

In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe, the 21-year-old also revealed that he enjoys watching videos of past and present great players in order to improve his game.

“At the start I was a forward, then a number 10. I liked the trequartista role, I felt at home there,” Pogba said when asked about the course his career has taken.

“Then I moved back and it started to be more aggressive technically. That way I had the chance to complete my game. In Italy I have grown further from a tactical point of view.

“I love to watch the videos [of the matches] and correct my errors on the pitch. I often watch Andrea Pirlo, Yaya Toure but also Gerrard and Lampard.

“I also like watching videos of the great former players like Zidane and Ronaldo. I look to take the best aspects of their games and mix them up.

“My role models? Pirlo at Juve and Scholes at Manchester United.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba wants to be complete player

Jul 4, 2014

Juventus and France’s Paul Pogba says he is driven by a hunger to one day become a complete player.

The young midfielder has had a highly successful career thus far, starring in successive Scudetto wins for the Old Lady and in his country’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

However, speaking to L’Equipe during an interview, the former Manchester United player admitted there is still a lot of room for improvement in his game.

“I still have everything to improve,” Pogba stated. “My target is to become the complete player who can do everything. Getting assists, scoring but also defending.

“What am I missing? I’m still lacking experience and a lot of work. But I have the desire to give it my all to be one of the best in the world.

“I like 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, they are formations that give you a certain freedom. But it’s true that the 3-5-2 has also made me grow a lot.”