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Drogba: True leader Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or
Didier Drogba believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win a fourth Ballon d'Or this year due to the success that he has enjoyed with Real Madrid and Portugal.
The 31-year-old ended an impressive campaign with a Champions League crown with Madrid before going on to win Euro 2016 with the national team - their first-ever major international title.
The forward is the favourite to be crowned the player of the year for 2016 as a result of his fine performances, with even Barcelona star Neymar admitting that he is the likely winner.
And Drogba, who currently plays in MLS with Canadian side Montreal Impact, feels that Ronaldo has shown himself to be a good leader and hopes that he wins the prize for a fourth time."I played against Cristiano in the Champions League final in 2008; he won with Manchester United against Chelsea," Drogba told AS.
"He is a true leader and he deserves the Ballon d'Or for the great work he has done for Real Madrid and Portugal. Although he could not play the whole Euro 2016 final, he was the biggest reason that his team got there."Madrid are using Montreal Impact's facilities to train as they prepare for the Internaitonal Champions Cup and Drogba feels that the club can learn from such a "prestigious" club.
"It is very important for Montreal Impact that Real Madrid train here, given the history of the club," he said. "It is important to see how such an important team works.
"I've played many times against Real Madrid. I faced them with Marseille and Galatasaray. I also played against coach Zinedine Zidane. "Real Madrid is a massive, highly prestigious club. It is an honor to have them here."
Falcao: Premier League struggles will serve me well at Monaco
Radamel Falcao is confident that his "difficult" two-year spell in England can serve him well upon his return to Monaco.
Colombia international Falcao arrived at Stade Louis II ahead of the 2013-14 season as one of the most prolific and feared strikers in world football.However, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2014 that saw him miss that year's World Cup in Brazil.
Upon his return to action, Falcao joined Manchester United on a lucrative loan deal, but his stay at Old Trafford proved an unhappy one as he found the net just four times in 26 Premier League appearances in the 2014-15 season.
Despite that poor return Chelsea gambled on a loan deal of their own last season, but Falcao once again failed to rediscover his former heights and managed just one goal in 10 league outings.
The 30-year-old is back at Monaco - he was on the scoresheet in a 45-minute runout on Tuesday in a 3-1 defeat to Zenit in a pre-season friendly - and he told the club's official website: "My experience in England was difficult but it served me well as a footballer and as a person.
"I hope what I've learned will serve me now, here in Monaco. I'm very happy to be back in Monaco to play."It's interesting to see how the team progresses game after game. The sensations are good, I feel good.
"The only thing I need is to accumulate games and playing time. With the games, my body will quickly adapt to the rhythm of the competition."
Radamel Falcao is confident that his "difficult" two-year spell in England can serve him well upon his return to Monaco.
Colombia international Falcao arrived at Stade Louis II ahead of the 2013-14 season as one of the most prolific and feared strikers in world football.However, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2014 that saw him miss that year's World Cup in Brazil.
Upon his return to action, Falcao joined Manchester United on a lucrative loan deal, but his stay at Old Trafford proved an unhappy one as he found the net just four times in 26 Premier League appearances in the 2014-15 season.
Despite that poor return Chelsea gambled on a loan deal of their own last season, but Falcao once again failed to rediscover his former heights and managed just one goal in 10 league outings.
The 30-year-old is back at Monaco - he was on the scoresheet in a 45-minute runout on Tuesday in a 3-1 defeat to Zenit in a pre-season friendly - and he told the club's official website: "My experience in England was difficult but it served me well as a footballer and as a person.
"I hope what I've learned will serve me now, here in Monaco. I'm very happy to be back in Monaco to play."It's interesting to see how the team progresses game after game. The sensations are good, I feel good.
"The only thing I need is to accumulate games and playing time. With the games, my body will quickly adapt to the rhythm of the competition."
Schalke confirm Man City target Sane to leave this summer
Schalke manager Christian Heidel has confirmed that Leroy Sane will be leaving the Bundesliga club this summer.
Manchester City are one of many club to be linked with the 20-year-old winger, while Carlo Ancelotti ruled out a move to Bayern earlier on Tuesday.
Goal understands City have, thus far, seen their attempts to sign Sane rejected by Schalke, but have now been handed a significant boost after Heidel revealed a transfer request has been submitted.
"Leroy has made it clear, he would like to leave this summer," he told Sky Sports. "We will consent to a transfer if Schalke's conditions are met."
Sane, who scored nine goals in 42 appearances for Schalke in 2015-16, is expected to command a fee of close to £40 million and would signal the end to City's attacking recruitments this summer.
Schalke manager Christian Heidel has confirmed that Leroy Sane will be leaving the Bundesliga club this summer.
Manchester City are one of many club to be linked with the 20-year-old winger, while Carlo Ancelotti ruled out a move to Bayern earlier on Tuesday.
Goal understands City have, thus far, seen their attempts to sign Sane rejected by Schalke, but have now been handed a significant boost after Heidel revealed a transfer request has been submitted.
"Leroy has made it clear, he would like to leave this summer," he told Sky Sports. "We will consent to a transfer if Schalke's conditions are met."
Sane, who scored nine goals in 42 appearances for Schalke in 2015-16, is expected to command a fee of close to £40 million and would signal the end to City's attacking recruitments this summer.
Gaitan wanted Atletico move 12 months ago
New Atletico Madrid winger Nicolas Gaitan says he wanted to complete his move to the Vicente Calderon 12 months ago.
The Argentina winger ended his six-year association at Portuguese giants Benfica by agreeing a move to the Spanish capital last month.Gaitan spoke of his delight at securing a switch to LaLiga and claims he would have been in Spain even sooner had a deal been struck.
Asked why he had not moved earlier, Gaitan responded: "Because there was no agreement between the clubs."I can make a decision, but if they do not reach an agreement then a deal does not depend on me."
Atleti are known for putting in the hard yards on the pitch under head coach Diego Simeone.And Gaitan concedes he will have to adapt to the physical demands of playing under his compatriot at the Calderon.
"I know that it will demand a lot physically," he added. "It is a schooling I had already in Argentina, which demands a lot physically."I am coming from Portugal where we are not used to the physical [side of the game], we worked more with the ball.
"I do not know what I will find, but I hope to adapt quickly. I will adapt to what the coach asks me and I hope to live up to [his expectations]."
New Atletico Madrid winger Nicolas Gaitan says he wanted to complete his move to the Vicente Calderon 12 months ago.
The Argentina winger ended his six-year association at Portuguese giants Benfica by agreeing a move to the Spanish capital last month.Gaitan spoke of his delight at securing a switch to LaLiga and claims he would have been in Spain even sooner had a deal been struck.
Asked why he had not moved earlier, Gaitan responded: "Because there was no agreement between the clubs."I can make a decision, but if they do not reach an agreement then a deal does not depend on me."
Atleti are known for putting in the hard yards on the pitch under head coach Diego Simeone.And Gaitan concedes he will have to adapt to the physical demands of playing under his compatriot at the Calderon.
"I know that it will demand a lot physically," he added. "It is a schooling I had already in Argentina, which demands a lot physically."I am coming from Portugal where we are not used to the physical [side of the game], we worked more with the ball.
"I do not know what I will find, but I hope to adapt quickly. I will adapt to what the coach asks me and I hope to live up to [his expectations]."
Bruce on England job: Who wouldn't want it?
Hull City manager Steve Bruce admitted that it was an honour to be linked with the England job, and that it would be a tough post to turn down.Hull revealed on Tuesday that Bruce had "held informal discussions" with the Football Association over replacing Roy Hodgson.
Uncapped in an otherwise illustrious and trophy-laden playing career, Bruce outlined his international ambitions before kick-off at Field Mill.He told Sky Sports News: "I never quite made it as a player, who wouldn't [want it]?
"If you're English and it means something to you, who wouldn't?"It has to be the prime job that any Englishman would want to have. Yes it's difficult, we know that, but there's something in you.
"I am highly flattered to be even considered and extremely grateful to be considered. If anything happens, let's see what the rest of the week brings and if it does then happy days."In an interview you never know, I hope it went OK, I got my point across and let's hope it was successful."
On the pitch, Bruce was given a headache when captain Michael Dawson limped off with injury, but young striker Jarrod Bowen raised a cheer as he secured a 1-0 win.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce admitted that it was an honour to be linked with the England job, and that it would be a tough post to turn down.Hull revealed on Tuesday that Bruce had "held informal discussions" with the Football Association over replacing Roy Hodgson.
Uncapped in an otherwise illustrious and trophy-laden playing career, Bruce outlined his international ambitions before kick-off at Field Mill.He told Sky Sports News: "I never quite made it as a player, who wouldn't [want it]?
"If you're English and it means something to you, who wouldn't?"It has to be the prime job that any Englishman would want to have. Yes it's difficult, we know that, but there's something in you.
"I am highly flattered to be even considered and extremely grateful to be considered. If anything happens, let's see what the rest of the week brings and if it does then happy days."In an interview you never know, I hope it went OK, I got my point across and let's hope it was successful."
On the pitch, Bruce was given a headache when captain Michael Dawson limped off with injury, but young striker Jarrod Bowen raised a cheer as he secured a 1-0 win.
Napoli's €45m Koulibaly offered to Arsenal
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been offered to several major European clubs, including Arsenal, Goal understands.
The 25-year-old Senegal international, who is wanted by Premier League sides Chelsea and Everton, has a hefty price tag of around €45 million which no-one has matched so far.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in the market for a top class defender this summer and while Koulibaly remains on the club's list of targets, there has been no bid lodged as of yet.
Goalexclusively revealed on Monday that Roma want at least €45 million for defender Kostas Manolas, another Arsenal target who has demanded a bigger contract at his respective club.
Wenger is on the verge of securing his third signing of the summer, Rob Holding, this week after the 20-year-old passed a medical with personal terms set to be discussed over the coming days.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been offered to several major European clubs, including Arsenal, Goal understands.
The 25-year-old Senegal international, who is wanted by Premier League sides Chelsea and Everton, has a hefty price tag of around €45 million which no-one has matched so far.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in the market for a top class defender this summer and while Koulibaly remains on the club's list of targets, there has been no bid lodged as of yet.
Goalexclusively revealed on Monday that Roma want at least €45 million for defender Kostas Manolas, another Arsenal target who has demanded a bigger contract at his respective club.
Wenger is on the verge of securing his third signing of the summer, Rob Holding, this week after the 20-year-old passed a medical with personal terms set to be discussed over the coming days.
Ba won't retire after sickening leg injury
Shanghai Shenhua striker Demba Ba insists he will not retire, despite suffering a horrific leg break in the Chinese Super League.
In sickening scenes during Sunday's Shanghai derby, Ba's left leg twisted badly after he tangled with SIPG defender Sun Xiang as the Senegal international chased down an attempted throughball.
There have been genuine fears that Ba's career might be over at the age of 31 but the former Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle United frontman has no plans to walk away from the game.
"This is a really bad injury but I know I can overcome it. I won't call time on my career, that's for sure," Ba told RMC."They haven't done the full operation because I told them to wait.
"I wanted to go to Europe to have it done but when I learned that was not possible I arranged with the doctor here to sort me out a French surgeon who should arrive shortly. He will operate on me."There are other players who have returned from similar injuries, like Hatem Ben Arfa.
"Something similar happened to me earlier in my career and the treatment options are much better now. I think I'll make a speedier return this time."The season here ends in November and the new one starts in March. I'll do my best to return in time for the season after that."
Ba had been in great form for Shenhua - who defeated SIPG 2-1 - this season, scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances.
Shanghai Shenhua striker Demba Ba insists he will not retire, despite suffering a horrific leg break in the Chinese Super League.
In sickening scenes during Sunday's Shanghai derby, Ba's left leg twisted badly after he tangled with SIPG defender Sun Xiang as the Senegal international chased down an attempted throughball.
There have been genuine fears that Ba's career might be over at the age of 31 but the former Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle United frontman has no plans to walk away from the game.
"This is a really bad injury but I know I can overcome it. I won't call time on my career, that's for sure," Ba told RMC."They haven't done the full operation because I told them to wait.
"I wanted to go to Europe to have it done but when I learned that was not possible I arranged with the doctor here to sort me out a French surgeon who should arrive shortly. He will operate on me."There are other players who have returned from similar injuries, like Hatem Ben Arfa.
"Something similar happened to me earlier in my career and the treatment options are much better now. I think I'll make a speedier return this time."The season here ends in November and the new one starts in March. I'll do my best to return in time for the season after that."
Ba had been in great form for Shenhua - who defeated SIPG 2-1 - this season, scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances.
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'Real Madrid don't need him' - Ancelotti rules out Lewandowski sale
Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of selling Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid and claims the Liga giants do not need the Poland striker due to their plethora of attacking options.
Recent reports have suggested that Lewandowski, who has scored 47 Bundesliga goals in two seasons at Bayern, is keen on a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.Madrid are said to be weighing up a deal to bring the former Borussia Dortmund striker to LaLiga to complement an attack already featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
But former Madrid coach Ancelotti is adamant the Bundesliga champions will not allow one of their prized assets to depart the Allianz Arena."Real Madrid have a number of fantastic players, like Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo.
They don't need Lewandowski as well," Ancelotti told Sport Bild."And even if they feel they do need Lewandowski, Bayern will not sell him."Why would we sell one of the best strikers in the world?I would not swap Lewandowski for any other striker in the world."
Bayern have secured the services of Mats Hummels and Renato Sanches ahead of the 2016-17 campaign and Ancelotti is confident the latter, a member of Portugal's successful Euro 2016 side, will make an instant impact at the Allianz Arena.
"Renato is one of the players who caught my eye. The club has done a great job to sign him," the Italian added."A lot of big clubs across Europe wanted to sign him, but Bayern acted quicker than all the others.
"Sanches is a fantastic player and will be a key figure for Bayern in the future. He has already shown quality and character. He can be amazing and can carry Bayern."
Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of selling Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid and claims the Liga giants do not need the Poland striker due to their plethora of attacking options.
Recent reports have suggested that Lewandowski, who has scored 47 Bundesliga goals in two seasons at Bayern, is keen on a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.Madrid are said to be weighing up a deal to bring the former Borussia Dortmund striker to LaLiga to complement an attack already featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
But former Madrid coach Ancelotti is adamant the Bundesliga champions will not allow one of their prized assets to depart the Allianz Arena."Real Madrid have a number of fantastic players, like Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo.
They don't need Lewandowski as well," Ancelotti told Sport Bild."And even if they feel they do need Lewandowski, Bayern will not sell him."Why would we sell one of the best strikers in the world?I would not swap Lewandowski for any other striker in the world."
Bayern have secured the services of Mats Hummels and Renato Sanches ahead of the 2016-17 campaign and Ancelotti is confident the latter, a member of Portugal's successful Euro 2016 side, will make an instant impact at the Allianz Arena.
"Renato is one of the players who caught my eye. The club has done a great job to sign him," the Italian added."A lot of big clubs across Europe wanted to sign him, but Bayern acted quicker than all the others.
"Sanches is a fantastic player and will be a key figure for Bayern in the future. He has already shown quality and character. He can be amazing and can carry Bayern."
Juventus stand firm on Pogba after Manchester United offer €120 million
Juventus will demand a transfer fee of no less than €120 million for Paul Pogba when they meet with Manchester United delegates on Wednesday, Goal has learned.
United are set to make their move on the France international after weeks of intense speculation, with a meeting lined up on Wednesday at which they are likely to offer a world-record fee.
Having weighed up his options Pogba is happy to leave Juventus in favour of a return to United, whom he left in 2012 due to a lack of first-team opportunities.Pogba is said to be ready to accept a €13m annual salary at Old Trafford, dwarfing his current wage at the Juventus Stadium.
But while United are ready to step up their interest, Juve are set to insist on a fee of €120m before they agree to release their star midfielder.Such a payout would smash the world record €100m fee paid by Real Madrid to Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.
Some reports had claimed on Tuesday that Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, had been in Manchester to finalise personal terms on a deal.However, Raiola later told Goal: "All of what you read is bulls**t."
But a €120m offer from United should see the wheels set in motion for Pogba to return to Old Trafford four years on from his bitter departure.
Juventus will demand a transfer fee of no less than €120 million for Paul Pogba when they meet with Manchester United delegates on Wednesday, Goal has learned.
United are set to make their move on the France international after weeks of intense speculation, with a meeting lined up on Wednesday at which they are likely to offer a world-record fee.
Having weighed up his options Pogba is happy to leave Juventus in favour of a return to United, whom he left in 2012 due to a lack of first-team opportunities.Pogba is said to be ready to accept a €13m annual salary at Old Trafford, dwarfing his current wage at the Juventus Stadium.
But while United are ready to step up their interest, Juve are set to insist on a fee of €120m before they agree to release their star midfielder.Such a payout would smash the world record €100m fee paid by Real Madrid to Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.
Some reports had claimed on Tuesday that Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, had been in Manchester to finalise personal terms on a deal.However, Raiola later told Goal: "All of what you read is bulls**t."
But a €120m offer from United should see the wheels set in motion for Pogba to return to Old Trafford four years on from his bitter departure.
OFFICIAL: Liverpool complete Klavan signing
Liverpool have completed the signing of defender Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old, acquired for £4.2 million plus add-ons, could fly out with the squad in the early hours of Thursday morning as the Reds embark on their pre-season tour of the United States.
The experienced centre-back has been recruited to provide support for the club’s rearguard with Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez missing the start of the new season due to tendinopathy of the Achilles.
He’ll adopt the number 17 shirt, which was previously used by the France international.The Estonia captain becomes Liverpool's fifth permanent signing - the third recruited from the Bundesliga - under Jurgen Klopp's management.
He is effectively Kolo Toure’s replacement and has earned over a century of international caps, as well as more than 100 appearances each in Germany's top-flight and the Eredivisie.
Klavan is dominant in the air and comfortable on the ball. He possesses a strong left foot and is an intelligent defender, who rarely gets booked.Meanwhile, Liverpool are also expected to confirm goalkeeper Adam Bogdan has joined Wigan on a season-long loan.
Goal first revealed the Latics' interest in securing the stopper on a temporary deal on June 29. The Hungarian also admitted he wanted to prove himself elsewhere during 2016-17.
Liverpool have completed the signing of defender Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old, acquired for £4.2 million plus add-ons, could fly out with the squad in the early hours of Thursday morning as the Reds embark on their pre-season tour of the United States.
The experienced centre-back has been recruited to provide support for the club’s rearguard with Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez missing the start of the new season due to tendinopathy of the Achilles.
He’ll adopt the number 17 shirt, which was previously used by the France international.The Estonia captain becomes Liverpool's fifth permanent signing - the third recruited from the Bundesliga - under Jurgen Klopp's management.
He is effectively Kolo Toure’s replacement and has earned over a century of international caps, as well as more than 100 appearances each in Germany's top-flight and the Eredivisie.
Klavan is dominant in the air and comfortable on the ball. He possesses a strong left foot and is an intelligent defender, who rarely gets booked.Meanwhile, Liverpool are also expected to confirm goalkeeper Adam Bogdan has joined Wigan on a season-long loan.
Goal first revealed the Latics' interest in securing the stopper on a temporary deal on June 29. The Hungarian also admitted he wanted to prove himself elsewhere during 2016-17.
Ignore the 'experts' - Man Utd target Pogba worth every penny of €120m
Once upon a time, major international tournaments told us all we knew about the world’s greatest footballers. Before mega-money television deals and the vast growth of the internet, opinions of players across the globe were generally formed on their performances over four-week periods once every two years at a World Cup or a European Championship.
Had Paul Pogba been a footballer in the 1970s his form at this summer’s Euros might well have provided an irretrievable body blow to his reputation, with his failure to step up over the past month in France having left many wondering whether he really is as good as has been claimed.
But no longer does TV commentary comes down telephone lines and nor is foreign club football delivered in two-minute highlights. As such, those Manchester United fans suddenly wondering whether their club’s imminent purchase of Pogba is the appropriate next step in the Jose Mourinho masterplan can be sure that the 23-year-old’s form over the course of Euro 2016 is by no means the extent of his quality.
When United and Juventus meet to thrash out a deal on Wednesday afternoon, the Italians will ask for €120 million. And, far from balk at the figure, United will simply look to soften it because they know that Pogba is just what they need. Whatever people may suggest after his travails with France at the Euros, United know just as well as Juve what the midfielder can do on a consistent basis.
From our privileged position in the technology-heavy modern world we have seen Pogba excel on the world stage time and again since arriving at Juve in 2012, quickly forcing his way into a previously untouchable Bianconeri midfield on the road to the forefront of the planet’s footballing consciousness.
He has played a huge part in four successive Serie A titles, helped them become a consistently dominant force domestically and a massive name in Europe once more. Pogba has become one of the most talked-about names in the game today and has been tipped for a world-record transfer fee.
None of this has happened by accident. With power, poise, a deft touch, an eye for goal and boundless energy, he has earned his place among the list of current stars at the top end of the sport.
While Sir Alex Ferguson decided that Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola were too divisive a partnership to work with during his reign at Old Trafford, the Frenchman’s quality was never truly questioned. When Fergie selected right-back Rafael in midfield over Pogba against Blackburn Rovers in December 2011, it was more a sign he was unhappy with the player’s baggage than unimpressed with his potential.
As a youngster coming through the ranks with United and France his greatest flaw was his tendency to switch off when things got a little too easy for him, but more recently it has been unrealistic expectations that have drawn out critics.
"Too much responsibility has been placed on his shoulders, so much that a normal 22-year-old would struggle to cope," Massimiliano Allegri said as Juventus struggled at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign following a summer exodus of star names.
"Nobody is asking Pogba to score three goals per game or to win games single-handedly. We just ask Paul to play as he knows how to, a bit more carefree, and make the mistakes a normal 22-year-old makes. That's it. It is easy to understand."
It appeared to be much the same kind of situation at Euro 2016. With United looking to re-employ Pogba and Real Madrid also being credited with serious interest, the world was watching him more closely than ever before. With a price tag of €120 million hanging around his neck, it was always likely to be a tournament at which French failure would not reflect well on the midfielder.
His stuttering run with France rightly drew question marks, but comments from the likes of Gary Lineker ("doesn't score many, doesn't create much and not great defensively") and Harry Redknapp ("if you asked me, 'Dele Alli or Pogba, who do you want?' I'm taking Dele Alli in the long term") say more about some people’s ignorance than they do about a youngster playing out of position in the pressure-cooker environment of a home championship.
Just as Alli or Harry Kane's poor summer with England should not dampen the hype around two of the Premier League’s hottest prospects and Leicester City's extraordinary success should not be celebrated any less in light of Portugal's own first-time triumph, Pogba's star must not be wrested artificially from its rightful position high in the sky.
At the age of 23, he is one of the biggest talents in the modern game and will only get better. If anything, a move away from Juventus will only increase his chances of becoming one of the 21st century’s greats, with new challenges bringing further chances to demonstrate his ability.
But in the same way that Juve were not too blinkered to write Pogba off as somebody Ferguson would not even choose ahead of Rafael in midfield, onlookers must not simply cast the Frenchman aside on the basis of four short weeks which followed four long years of excellence.
Once upon a time, major international tournaments told us all we knew about the world’s greatest footballers. Before mega-money television deals and the vast growth of the internet, opinions of players across the globe were generally formed on their performances over four-week periods once every two years at a World Cup or a European Championship.
Had Paul Pogba been a footballer in the 1970s his form at this summer’s Euros might well have provided an irretrievable body blow to his reputation, with his failure to step up over the past month in France having left many wondering whether he really is as good as has been claimed.
But no longer does TV commentary comes down telephone lines and nor is foreign club football delivered in two-minute highlights. As such, those Manchester United fans suddenly wondering whether their club’s imminent purchase of Pogba is the appropriate next step in the Jose Mourinho masterplan can be sure that the 23-year-old’s form over the course of Euro 2016 is by no means the extent of his quality.
When United and Juventus meet to thrash out a deal on Wednesday afternoon, the Italians will ask for €120 million. And, far from balk at the figure, United will simply look to soften it because they know that Pogba is just what they need. Whatever people may suggest after his travails with France at the Euros, United know just as well as Juve what the midfielder can do on a consistent basis.
From our privileged position in the technology-heavy modern world we have seen Pogba excel on the world stage time and again since arriving at Juve in 2012, quickly forcing his way into a previously untouchable Bianconeri midfield on the road to the forefront of the planet’s footballing consciousness.
He has played a huge part in four successive Serie A titles, helped them become a consistently dominant force domestically and a massive name in Europe once more. Pogba has become one of the most talked-about names in the game today and has been tipped for a world-record transfer fee.
None of this has happened by accident. With power, poise, a deft touch, an eye for goal and boundless energy, he has earned his place among the list of current stars at the top end of the sport.
While Sir Alex Ferguson decided that Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola were too divisive a partnership to work with during his reign at Old Trafford, the Frenchman’s quality was never truly questioned. When Fergie selected right-back Rafael in midfield over Pogba against Blackburn Rovers in December 2011, it was more a sign he was unhappy with the player’s baggage than unimpressed with his potential.
As a youngster coming through the ranks with United and France his greatest flaw was his tendency to switch off when things got a little too easy for him, but more recently it has been unrealistic expectations that have drawn out critics.
"Too much responsibility has been placed on his shoulders, so much that a normal 22-year-old would struggle to cope," Massimiliano Allegri said as Juventus struggled at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign following a summer exodus of star names.
"Nobody is asking Pogba to score three goals per game or to win games single-handedly. We just ask Paul to play as he knows how to, a bit more carefree, and make the mistakes a normal 22-year-old makes. That's it. It is easy to understand."
It appeared to be much the same kind of situation at Euro 2016. With United looking to re-employ Pogba and Real Madrid also being credited with serious interest, the world was watching him more closely than ever before. With a price tag of €120 million hanging around his neck, it was always likely to be a tournament at which French failure would not reflect well on the midfielder.
His stuttering run with France rightly drew question marks, but comments from the likes of Gary Lineker ("doesn't score many, doesn't create much and not great defensively") and Harry Redknapp ("if you asked me, 'Dele Alli or Pogba, who do you want?' I'm taking Dele Alli in the long term") say more about some people’s ignorance than they do about a youngster playing out of position in the pressure-cooker environment of a home championship.
Just as Alli or Harry Kane's poor summer with England should not dampen the hype around two of the Premier League’s hottest prospects and Leicester City's extraordinary success should not be celebrated any less in light of Portugal's own first-time triumph, Pogba's star must not be wrested artificially from its rightful position high in the sky.
At the age of 23, he is one of the biggest talents in the modern game and will only get better. If anything, a move away from Juventus will only increase his chances of becoming one of the 21st century’s greats, with new challenges bringing further chances to demonstrate his ability.
But in the same way that Juve were not too blinkered to write Pogba off as somebody Ferguson would not even choose ahead of Rafael in midfield, onlookers must not simply cast the Frenchman aside on the basis of four short weeks which followed four long years of excellence.
