Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: ‘Juve now stronger’

Nov 23, 2014

Paul Pogba believes that the current iteration of Juventus is ‘stronger’, with ‘more quality’ and that they ‘attack with more men’.

The Bianconeri ran out convincing 3-0 winners over Lazio at the weekend in a performance inspired by the young French midfielder.

“Now we play much closer to the goal, it is much better for me,” the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport quote Pogba as saying this week.

“We attack with more men and we also counter-attack. We midfielders play behind the forwards, and it is also helpful for the guys up front.

“Compared to last year we are stronger, there is more quality, the team is better overall.

“Yes, in Rome we have seen the best Pogba, along with an extraordinary Juventus for its intensity and play.”

Now attention switches to the Champions League, where Juve face a trip to Malmo on Wednesday.

“We begin again to defeat to Malmo. We have no alternative. We must return from Sweden with three points.

“We know that in the Champions League we struggle a lot, there is something lacking.

“Against Olympiacos, though, I saw an important spirit - like this we can play for the Cup, even if we have to be more decisive in front of goal.

“We have a good team, we can go pretty far, but we always need concentration and continuity as demonstrated in Rome.

“I hope to score again, as long as it proves useful towards getting the three points, the rest does not interest me.”

The Frenchman also reiterated his commitment to Juventus this weekend.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I want to be like Zidane

The Frenchman has been compared to Yaya Toure and Patrick Vieira
but wants to achieve the same idol status as another of his compatriots.

Nov 24, 2014

Paul Pogba has revealed he wants to become as good as Zinedine Zidane, while claiming Juventus are just as big a club as reported suitors Real Madrid.

The France international has been compared to Yaya Toure and Patrick Vieira in the past because of his languid style, but he says it is another compatriot whose achievements he aims to replicate, while distancing himself from a move to Spain.

"Real Madrid are a great club, but so are Juventus," Pogba was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I was at Manchester United before, yet I decided to come to Torino and join Juve...

"I am feeling well in Italy. Everybody at Vinovo feels like family. I am only thinking about improving as a player at the moment. I hope to become like [Zinedine] Zidane."

The midfielder then went on to discuss his side's Champions League ambitions and stressed that they cannot afford to drop points against Malmo on Wednesday in order to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stages alive.

"We have to start by beating Malmo. We must return from Sweden with three points, there's no other option.

"We realise that we have been struggling in Europe and that something is missing. But I saw something important against Olympiakos, where we showed the spirit you need in a competition like this.

"We have a good team and can go pretty far, but we have to show the focus and consistency that we showed against Roma earlier this season."

Juventus currently sit third in Group A with six points from four games, level on points with second-placed Olympiakos and three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

[Socrates 8295]

Juventus rejected Pogba offers

Nov 24, 2014

Paul Pogba’s agent says Juventus turned down two offers for the midfielder this summer, and calls his client ‘the most expensive player in the world’.

The Frenchman recently signed a new contract with Juventus which will see the former Manchester United man remain in Turin until 2019, and Mino Raiola says his client is happy in Turin.

“Pogba is the most expensive player in the world,” Raiola told Gr Parlamento in regard to what kind of fee his client would fetch were he to leave the Bianconeri.

“The relationship with Juventus is fantastic. How can I argue with Pavel Nedved?

“Juventus are strong enough to keep him for a long time, and we’ve just renewed his contract until 2019.

“Of course it’s hard for calcio to keep a star like that, not for the club [Juve], but for the League [serie A].

“However, Paul is happy at Juventus and doesn’t want to leave the club.

“Juventus rejected two big offers this summer.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba already better than
Platini, claims Raiola

The player's representative says the midfielder has the same characteristics
as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and will win the Ballon d'Or more than once.

Nov 25, 2014

Mino Raiola feels Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is already a better player than Bianconeri icon Michel Platini ever was and has little doubt his client will go on to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or at some point in the future.

The 21-year-old won the prestigious Golden Boy award last year as the best player in the world under the age of 21 and is one of 23 players to have made the shortlist for the 2014 Ballon d'Or and Raiola has little doubt the Frenchman is destined for greatness.

"Paul is already better than Platini. He scores and acts like a playmaker. He can play as central midfielder and in the No.10 position," Pogba's agent told Radio Rai.

"We are talking about a midfielder who is physically strong and tactically aware. He is a modern and complete player. I might be biased, but I'm not wrong.

"Pogba has the same characteristics as [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. Even if we are living in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul will win the Ballon d'Or more than once."

The powerful midfielder has been a key figure for Juventus this season, scoring four goals in 14 appearances in all competitions.

[Socrates 8295]

City to bid for Pogba but…

Dec 11, 2014

Manchester City could bid €62m for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba according to reports, but the Bianconeri are unlikely to accept.

The English club are rumoured to have met with officials from Juventus in recent days to discuss a move for the French midfielder, who only signed a new deal with the Old Lady in October.

Now the Daily Mail reports that City are ready to break the club’s transfer record with a €62m bid for the former Manchester United man.

The newspaper believes that Yaya Toure will depart the Citizens in the summer, leaving the club with a gap to plug in midfield and Pogba is seen as the ideal replacement for the Ivorian.

However, reports in Italy suggest that Juventus would be very unlikely to accept any bid for one of their most prized assets.

Calciomercato states that with the club having rejected several bids for the 21-year-old in the summer, they’re unlikely to sell this summer having strengthened their hand by extending the player’s contract until 2019.

In addition, the Bianconeri are financially more robust this season, having secured a place in the Last 16 of the Champions League. Not only did the Old Lady fail to make the knockout stages last season, they are the sole Italian representative this term, and thus will not have to share revenue.

Therefore the website believes that Juventus will reject any bid which might be forthcoming, though there could be less certainty around the future of Arturo Vidal.

Calciomercato reports that members of the Juventus hierarchy believe that Vidal attained his peak in the previous two seasons, and may be willing to cash in after some under-par performances so far this term.

[Socrates 8295]

Chelsea Set To Enter Race For Paul Pogba

Dec 16, 2014

Chelsea are the latest club to enter the race for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba ahead of the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old is highly thought of around Europe, attracting prestigious clubs including French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Champions League holders Real Madrid, with a host of top-class performances for the Bianconeri.

According to a report in the Express, Jose Mourinho could be key to securing the France international’s signature, with the club willing to involve Brazil midfielder Ramires as part exchange of any deal.

Juventus will be keen to hold onto the highly talented youngster, with rumoured figures in the region €70 million that could prove difficult to refuse. If Pogba was to leave the club, Italy international Marco Verratti has been earmarked as a possible replacement.

Pogba has scored 15 goals in his 75 appearances for the Old Lady since joining the club from Manchester United in July 2012.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Stronger than Vieira'

Dec 16, 2014

Paul Pogba is “honoured to be compared with Patrick Vieira, but my objective is to become even stronger than him.”

The Juventus starlet was voted best right-sided midfielder for 2014 in the Gran Gala del Calcio, organised by the Italian Players’ Association (AIC).

“I am honoured to be compared with Vieira and happy that people think of me that way, but my objective is to become even stronger than him,” the 21-year-old told reporters.

“Like Michel Platini? If only! I’d love to experience a career like his.”

[Socrates 8295]

Michael Owen: 'Paul Pogba is ideal replacement for Steven Gerrard'

Dec 23, 2014

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes that Paul Pogba would be an "ideal replacement" for Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard's future at Anfield has been called into question, with the 34-year-old yet to sign a new deal.

Juventus midfielder Pogba has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, but Owen says that the Reds should look to capture the 21-year-old's signature when Gerrard eventually moves on.

"Steven Gerrard's not going to go on forever so the ideal replacement there would probably be someone like Paul Pogba at Juventus," Owen told BT Sport.

"He's an exceptional talent, a young talent that can play in that drive an central midfield role."

France international Pogba joined Juve from Manchester United in 2012.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: ‘I always want to win’

Dec 24, 2014

Paul Pogba sees Juventus’ limits as ‘all a matter of mindset’ and says if they can exploit Borussia Dortmund’s weaknesses, ‘something special can happen’.

The French midfielder has looked ahead at the coming year, which includes a Champions League Last 16 meeting with the Bundesliga outfit.

“I always want to win, even when I play ping pong,” said Pogba to the Corriere della Sera. “We can think big, it's all a matter of mindset.

“If we have a touch of luck, if we can exploit the weaknesses of others, something special can really happen.

“[Champions League Last 16 opponents] Borussia [Dortmund] emerge from three extraordinary seasons and we haven't won the match before playing it. But we can progress to the next stage.”

Pogba was linked with the likes of former club Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, but has committed to a new contract in Turin.

“Hearing the tifosi chant ‘Pogba cannot be sold’ makes me proud.

“I didn't renew [at Manchester United] and I said no to [Coach Alex] Ferguson. No young player had ever done that, I passed for a revolutionary.

“[Max] Allegri and [Antonio] Conte have two different philosophies, I couldn't say if one shouts more than the other.”

The French midfielder also had the opportunity to speak about the pressing issue of racism in football.

“Racism is everywhere unfortunately, but it doesn't touch me. Those who shout abuse at me are just ignorant. Anyway this is the colour of my skin and I can't change it.”

Finally, the Bianconero closed with a comment on the World Cup.

“I dreamt about playing in it. It was an extraordinary experience. You don't go to a World Cup just to take part, but to go all the way.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba Underlines Desire To Win

Dec 27, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba highlighted his winning mentality and said he always wants to win no matter what sport he plays.

The French prodigy has been a star performer for Juventus this season and has chipped in with four goals and two assists in 20 appearances.

In an interview to Corriere della Sera, the Frenchman about his desire to win, “I always want to win, even when I play ping pong. We have to think big as it’s all mental.

“This Borussia Dortmund comes off from three back-to-back exceptional seasons but the game is not won before playing,” stated Pogba about the upcoming Champions League games against Dortmund.

“With a little bit of luck and if we exploit the weaknesses of others something really special can happen.”

Pogba also had words of praises for Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon, “Me an artist in football? There are so many before me. Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon are the real artists.”

The Bianconeri and their young midfielder star will be hoping to put behind the defeat to Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana and return to winning ways when they host Inter at Juventus Stadium on January 6, 2015.

[Socrates 8295]

United offer €100m for Pogba?

Jan 2, 2015

Rumours suggest that Manchester United may be readying a shock offer of almost €100m to reclaim midfielder Paul Pogba from Juventus.

The French talent joined his current club from the Red Devils for free in 2012, but the English powerhouse could be looking to get him back.

According to the Daily Express, the team from Manchester readied a similar bid to try and swoop Gareth Bale from Real Madrid, but were shot down.

Now Coach Louis van Gaal's attention has apparently turned to Juventus starlet Pogba, with an offer of £77m, around €98m being rumoured.

Pogba recently spoke of being ‘proud’ to be at Juventus and has just signed a contract extension with the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Bring on 2015'

Jan 4, 2015

Paul Pogba puts Super Cup defeat behind Juventus. “The objective is to win the Scudetto and go further in the Champions League.”

The Bianconeri ended 2014 by losing the Italian Super Cup to Napoli on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Doha.

“Of course we are still a little sad, as we should’ve won that game and we didn’t. We made mistakes in some very important moments and cannot afford that.

“Still, it is now 2015, so we want to push forward and forget about the past. We want to start 2015 with a victory,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

Their first game is against Inter on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“Last year we started by beating Roma after the Christmas break, so hope to repeat that result. It is like a derby against Inter, a game that is always difficult. We want to win it.”

Pogba also has clear plans going forward in the 2014-15 campaign.

“The objective is to win another Scudetto and to go further than we did two years ago in the Champions League. We need to be at 100 per cent in both legs against Borussia Dortmund, playing with great intensity.

“It is always difficult to win the Scudetto, so we must give our all and make sacrifices to ensure it happens.

“I am fully aware that I need to improve in every area, just as I know that I can always do more. I must ensure that I can give more without needing someone else to push me. It is important to be professional, both on and off the field. That’s the only way to give your best in a match.”

Pogba is the star of the latest Juventus video and aims to go viral with his PogDance.

“I’ve always danced ever since I was a little kid. I love it, as it’s a way of expressing the joy of being alive.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba can match Zidane and Platini - Allegri

The Juventus boss was full of praise for the France midfielder after his showing against Napoli.

Jan 12, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has tipped Paul Pogba to emulate the achievements of countrymen Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini at Juventus.

The Frenchman opened the scoring in Sunday's 3-1 win over Napoli and has been one of his side's key performers this term as the champions target a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

After an impressive showing for Juve at the Stadio San Paolo, Allegri sees no reason why he cannot achieve similar feats to those of France greats Zidane and Platini.

Zidane won world and European honours on the international stage, with Platini also claiming the latter prize, and both earned two Serie A titles in Turin.

"I hope that Pogba is able to come close to achieving what Zidane and Platini achieved at Juventus," the Juve coach told RAI of the 21-year-old, who already has two Scudetti to his name.

"He is still very young, and has all the quality to do so.

"He scored a wonderful goal against Napoli and played reasonably well after the goal, but I think he has the quality to do much better."

[Socrates 8295]

POGBA: “JUVENTUS IS LIKE A FAMILY TO ME”

Jan 12, 2015

Paul Pogba believes he can be the best footballer in the world while describing Juventus as his family.

The following interview appeared in Czech magazine, Pro Football.


QUESTION: You were the best young player at the World Cup and you are doing great at Juve – do you miss anything at the moment?

Pogba: “It’s true that things are going pretty well right now, I’m really happy I’m not dealing with any troubles. Though, it’s not enough for me to be good, I want to get better, I want to work hard every day. I think that this attitude is important for big players. They are never satisfied, they always want to go ahead and improve themselves. I have this kind of attitude. ”


QUESTION: You’ve been recently put on shortlist for Balon D’Or, what are your goals?

Pogba: “Yeah, that was a compliment. I would like to win as many trophies as possible with Juventus and the national team. I know that I, alone, won’t win any trophies but I can contribute to winning them as a team. My personal goal? I would like to be the best footballer in the world in the future. Do you not believe me? I think it’s not impossible…”


QUESTION: If you say that so clearly, you put yourself under lot of pressure, you know that right?

Pogba: “Of course and I’m ok with it. I want to send a signal to everyone who doesn’t believe me. I personally feel I’m at high level now and if I continue to get better, after few years… why not? When you’re at Juventus you can’t have small goals. I will fight to be the best of all.”


QUESTION: Do you really think you can beat Ronaldo or Messi?

Pogba: “Right now it’s, of course, impossible, everyone has to admit that. Both of them play football from a different planet and deserve all the praise. I admire them so much. However, I also see that they are getting older meanwhile I will be still considered young after few years. When will be the time they retire I hope I will be the one to replace them.”


QUESTION: Why did you renew your contract with Juve to 2019?

Pogba: “I want to give Juve back everything they have given me. I think you should never forget the one who helped you. I was helped by Juve when no one had practically any interest in me. In United I played only 3 league games, they didn’t believe in me. I had to solve that problem because in United my career wouldn’t have taken any steps forward. Fortunately, Juventus was there and gave me confidence. I am thankful for that and that’s why I’m loyal. Juventus is like a family to me.”


QUESTION: Don’t you think that La Liga and PL are better than Serie A?

Pogba: “No, absolutely not. You can’t say that so surely. We know how English and Spanish teams are doing in Europe but you can’t take away quality of Italian teams. Every week there’s a really tough opponent waiting to break you. Every opponent is tactically 100% prepared for the game. It’s extremely hard to keep being on top. You can’t underestimate a single detail.”


QUESTION: Are you thinking about comeback to United to prove them they were wrong about you?

Pogba: “I’m not thinking about such things right now. However, I would like to say that I have learnt so much in United, I don’t think it was a negative experience for me. I don’t have a crystal ball but if one day I will decide to leave Juventus I could go to any club, certanly I won’t have the desire to get back at United for not giving me a chance. I don’t have the urge to prove someone wrong, everybody can see that themselves.”

[Socrates 8295]

Manchester United To Launch An Extraordinary Bid For Pogba

Jan 13, 2015

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has decided that the two main transfer targets for the summer window will be Juventus’ Paul Pogba and Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich.

Since it became apparent that chasing Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale is futile, the Dutch manager will now be looking to launch two extraordinary bids for the duo as he looks to build his own ‘Galacticos’ squad at Old Trafford.

The Express reports that the bids would be in the region of €98 million for the French midfielder and €57m for the German World Cup winning star whom they also tried to sign last summer.

The Bianconeri have told the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal that Paul Pogba is not for sale despite the 21-year-old’s agent hinting at a move to England come the end of the season.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba will leave Juventus, says Raiola

The French midfielder's representative has said he could be on the move sooner
rather than later and admits the youngster is developing quicker than he ever expected.

Jan 13, 2015

Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has revealed that the France international could leave Juventus in the not too distant future.

The 21-year-old recently signed a new deal with the Serie A champions until June 2019, but his representative has stressed that his long-term future does not lie in Italy.

"He will not stay in Italy much longer," Raiola told Sport Mediaset.

"It all depends on Juventus to be honest. We have just signed a new deal and we are happy, but if the right moment comes along to leave we will not let it pass.

"We will have to wait and see what happens. I don't know when the right moment comes along.

"I knew how talented he was, but it's never easy to make such an impact when you bring a young guy to Italy. He has developed incredibly fast. Not even I had expected that."

Pogba has been a key figure for Juventus so far in 2014-15, scoring five goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.

[Socrates 8295]

Marchisio: Pogba fortunate to be at Juventus

The Italy international believes the Serie A champions provided the perfect conditions
for the Frenchman to become the player he is now and that he should be grateful.

Jan 15, 2015

Claudio Marchisio feels Paul Pogba should consider himself lucky to be at Juventus as he believes the Serie A champions are the perfect place for promising youngsters to develop.

The France international joined Juventus from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and has since developed into an important first-team player at the Turin side.

Pogba became an undisputed starter at Juventus when injury kept Marchisio out of action at the start of the 2013-14 campaign, but the Italy international has little doubt the 21-year-old would also have "exploded" had he not been forced to watch from the sidelines.

"Pogba would also have exploded had I not been injured [in 2013-14]," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"We are talking about a natural here, a pure talent. He still has a lot of room for improvement and will only get better.

"He is fortunate enough to be able to develop in the right environment, because Juventus are a great place for young talents to grow.

"He has been able to mature in all calm here, without having to think about all kinds of distractions. The city of Turin has also played a role in this."

Pogba has been in sublime form for Juventus in 2014-15, scoring five goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.

[Socrates 8295]

Capello: 'Pogba has everything'

Jan 16, 2015

Fabio Capello hailed Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as “the only player who truly has everything in his game.”

The Russia manager told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope that the 21-year-old French international is unique.

“He is a player who possesses strength, quality and the ability to change pace,” said Capello.

“There are no other midfielders who can combine this change of pace with his level of technique. He covers the defence, presses opponents and can shoot.

“Pogba is the only player who truly has everything in his game.”

[Socrates 8295]

Juventus 'to offer new Paul Pogba deal'

Jan 17, 2015

Juventus are reportedly keen to ward off interest from several major European clubs by giving Paul Pogba a new contract.

The France midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

However, the Daily Star cites reports in Italy which suggest that the Bianconeri will look to offer Pogba a new deal instead.

It is thought that Juve are keen to increase the buyout clause in the 21-year-old's current agreement as part of any negotiations with the player.

Pogba's current contract does not expire until the summer of 2019.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba Real Madrid rumour debunked

Jan 17, 2015

Bizarre rumours claim Paul Pogba is on his way to Real Madrid for a medical, but he’s in the Juventus squad against Verona.

The completely unsubstantiated reports have been gathering steam throughout the weekend, culminating in the Daily Star suggesting a £78m offer - €100m.

The story apparently started via ESPN Brazil, who claimed Pogba was already on a plane to Madrid in order to undergo his medical with the Merengues.

At that same moment the French international was named as part of the Juventus squad preparing to face Verona on Sunday evening in Turin.

The 21-year-old only signed a contract extension to 2019 in October and it has no release clause.

That means any club eager to buy Pogba must negotiate directly with Juventus and meet their demands.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola tried to stir up speculation this week when saying he won’t stay in Italy.

“It will be up to Juventus. We have renewed his contract, we’re happy with Juventus, but when the time is right to leave we’ll take that opportunity. We’ll see, I don’t know when the right time will come...”

Bianconeri Coach Max Allegri responded by pointing out “Juventus can afford Pogba because he already plays for Juventus. It’s only normal that all of Europe wants him, as he’s only 21 years old and immensely talented.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I'm worth nothing unless I keep working

The Frenchman is adamant he is not worth any significant transfer fee
unless he continues to battle to achieve his goals.

Jan 18, 2015

Paul Pogba has stressed that he is not worth any amount of money as speculation over his Juventus future intensifies.

The Frenchman has been in fine form for the Italian champions this term and opened the scoring in their 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday.

His agent claimed earlier this week that he would leave the club sooner rather than later and reports this week had suggested he could be heading to Madrid to discuss a potential move to the European champions.

However, the former Manchester United midfielder insists he is not worth any transfer fee unless he continues to work hard to improve his game.

"I am worth €0. I am worth nothing unless I work on the field in every single game," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I hope for the Ballon d'Or in the future, but I have a lot of work for that.

"I need to do more. I want to be a champion like Andrea [Pirlo] Gigi [buffon] and [Giorgio] Chiellini. I want to be one of the best in the world and must do everything to reach that level."

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba could leave Juventus - Marotta

The Serie A champions have admitted for the first time
that the midfielder could be sold if a big-money bid is made.

Jan 19, 2015

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes the financial might of some of Europe's biggest clubs could eventually force them to sell Paul Pogba.

The 21-year-old recently signed a new deal until the summer of 2019, but the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation in Turin.

Marotta has stressed Juventus will do all they can to ensure the France international stays put for as long as possible, but is realistic over the potential salary the midfielder could command elsewhere.

"We will do everything within out limits to hold on to Pogba, but we must not forget Italy is a country in transition," Marotta told reporters.

"The problem we have is that of offers coming in from other clubs offering him a salary that we are not able to match due to our financial situation.

"At the moment, there's no reason to believe that Pogba will definitely leave Juventus for another team, but we have to bear in mind that we cannot compete with the wages that are being paid elsewhere. We have our limits."

Pogba has been a key figure for Juventus this term, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.

[Socrates 8295]

Zidane on Pogba: The best always join Madrid

The Frenchman is adamant he hasn't spoken to his compatriot about
joining the club but hinted a future move for the player is inevitable.

Jan 20, 2015

Zinedine Zidane says "the best players always join Real Madrid in the end" after being quizzed over the club's reported interest in Juventus star Paul Pogba.

Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta admitted on Monday that the club could struggle to hold on to the 21-year-old because of the wages on offer at Europe's wealthiest clubs.

He also revealed that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti's had already approached him regarding the France midfielder and said the Italian was telling 'white lies' after denying any interest in the player.

Zidane, who is now in charge of the club's Castilla side, himself insists he has made no attempt to convince his compatriot to move to Spain, but wouldn't be surprised to see a transfer unfold.

He told AS: "I have not tried to convince Pogba to join Real Madrid because I don't know him on a personal level.

"But the best players always go to Madrid in the end."

If he was to join the club, Pogba would find competition in the form of Isco, who has emerged as one of Madrid's best performers this season.

Zidane has watched the Spain international at close quarters and paid him the ultimate compliment by comparing the 22-year-old to himself during his playing days.

"Isco is a bit like me on a technical level," Zidane was quoted as saying by AS. "The fans are loving him and he is going through a special moment.

"He is a first-team regular at the moment and he has proven to be a great buy."

[Socrates 8295]

Juventus should sell Pogba, advises Lippi

The Italian was forced to sell Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid for €75 million in 2001,
but successfully reinvested in the side and says the same thing could happen again.

Jan 20, 2015

Former Juventus boss Marcello Lippi believes it would benefit the Serie A champions in the long term if they were to cash in on Paul Pogba.

Lippi has admitted that it would be a big blow for the Turin giants if they were to lose the France international, but feels they would eventually become a stronger team if they re-invest the transfer fee they receive for the 21-year-old, much like when they sold Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid in 2001.

"Of course, it would be a big sacrifice to lose Pogba, but selling him would generate enough money to buy three or four great players to help improve the team," Lippi told Sky Sport 24.

"When I returned to Juventus in 2001, I got a call that the club were going to sell Zidane. He was the best player of the world, but Madrid were paying €75 million.

"The club told me to remain calm and that they would reinvest all the money in the squad.

"We eventually signed Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved and continued to win silverware."

Pogba has been a key figure for Juventus this season, scoring five goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

He recently signed a new contract with the Italian champions until June 2019, but clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring his situation in Turin.

[Socrates 8295]

MANCHESTER UNITED MAKE €80M FOR PAUL POGBA

Jan 21, 2015

Manchester United have made an €80m bid for Paul Pogba to join them in summer, according to La Stampa.

La Stampa journalist Massimiliano Nerozzi tweeted earlier today that the English club had made an offer to Juventus by way of the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, who was spotted at the Bianconeri headquarters in Vinovo yesterday.

According to the report, Pogba is the subject of a bidding war between Manchester rivals City and United with PSG in the background while Real Madrid are not thought to be interested in the French midfielder.

La Stampa also suggest a move to United would earn Pogba wages close to €9m, a significant rise on his current €4.5m salary at Juventus.

Tuttosport also report on the meeting and suggest a bid in the region of €90-100m for Pogba was discussed, but also on the agenda was Borussia Dortmund’s Mkhitaryan who Juventus are pressing to sign. Dortmund, however, are blocking the move given their €27.5m investment in the player.