Advertisement
Pogba left United early on in his career.
Claim

'He wasn't treated well there' - Pirlo rules out Man United return for Pogba

The veteran midfielder does not believe his team-mate has forgiven the club, and says his side have complete belief in their Champions League hopes

ANDREA PIRLO BELIEVES Paul Pogba would not return to Manchester United given the way he was treated prior to his exit in 2012.

The France international has courted the interest of Europe’s elite following his performances for Juventus over the past three seasons, with Louis van Gaal’s side linked with a possible bid.

Paris Saint-Germain have already agreed an €80 million fee with Juve and Pirlo understands why top teams are scrapping to sign Pogba – though he is confident a return to the club he quit in acrimonious circumstances three years ago is highly unlikely.

“All the interest in Pogba is of no surprise,” he told The Daily Mail. “When you put in great performances you get attention from the top clubs in Europe, it has always been that way.

“He seems very happy at Juventus, I know he is focused on finishing the season with a lot of success. Whatever the future is for him I don’t see it being Manchester United.

“He didn’t feel he was treated well there. I know that was under Sir Alex Ferguson, and now there is a new coach, but I do not seeing him returning to a club where he was not treated well.”

Pogba returned to action against Cagliari at the weekend, scoring Juve’s goal in the 1-1 draw, and could be involved in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Pirlo insists his side are full of confidence as they take a 2-1 lead to the European champions and admits he would relish the chance to play in the final in Berlin, where he lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

“It is such a big game against Real Madrid. We know we are now good enough to be winning European Cups again, the quality and maturity is there.

“The reality is that it is half time and both teams will still feel they can rightly win the game. It is going to take a big performance from us, but there is real belief that we can do it.

“To win the Champions League with Juventus would be a dream, and to do it in Berlin where I have won the World Cup would be so special.

“For now that is all I am focused on, I can consider my future in the summer, for now it must be business as usual.”

3 under-the-radar Irish players who could influence the upcoming summer matches>

Is rival fans’ treatment of Steven Gerrard fair enough or does he deserve more respect?>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.