Souness reignites Pogba feud after doping ban and says he is ‘wasted his profession’
Graeme Souness has slammed Paul Pogba for “wasting his career” after he was discovered responsible of doping.
It comes as the most recent dig at Pogba by the previous Sky Sports pundit, who was commonly vocal in his criticism of the Frenchman throughout his time at Manchester United. Pogba, 30, was slapped with a four-year ban on Thursday, having examined constructive for testosterone in September.
The Juventus midfielder expressed his heartbreak over the decision in an announcement, saying he has “never knowingly or deliberately” damaged guidelines and is planning to launch an enchantment. But with Pogba’s profession on the elite stage seemingly coming to a untimely finish, Liverpool legend Souness revealed he feels no pleasure in being confirmed right concerning the playmaker, however fairly unhappiness.
READ MORE: Paul Pogba speaks out after doping ban and admits he is ‘heartbroken’ at verdict
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As reported by The Mirror, Souness informed The Mail: “For me, there really was never any doubt about Pogba’s ability. What I saw in him was a player with great technical ability and physique who had the potential to be one of the best midfield players our sport had ever known.
“It was his lack of honesty and poor effort ranges which all the time annoyed me. Frankly, he was lazy. Someone with the intense expertise he possessed ought to carry out in a manner which implies he’s remembered as probably the greatest gamers on the earth, lengthy after has left the stage.
“Instead, he wasted his profession. Having gained the World Cup with France in Russia, in 2018, he allowed himself to get into his armchair and was by no means absolutely dedicated to the reason for being a group participant.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I criticised him to such a considerable diploma – and take no satisfaction from saying I used to be proved proper – as a result of I may see that massive potential. I noticed the type of participant he may turn into.”
Pogba had publicly taken issue with some of Souness’ comments in the past. However, the Scot said the pair never met to discuss his punditry.
The 70-year-old said: “We did not meet throughout the years that I used to be overlaying among the massive video games he performed in for Juventus and Manchester United. He did make noises that he wished to fulfill me at one stage and I stated I used to be very happy to try this, although it by no means occurred.
(Image: POOL/AFP by way of Getty Images)
“It’s sad to hear that the drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system. As if he didn’t have enough athleticism. A drug like that would make him more powerful, with higher energy levels and it would also make him an angrier person to be around.
“He is 30 years previous and we cannot see him at an elite stage once more. A desperately unhappy ending to the profession of somebody who had the world at his toes and may nonetheless have been talked about, 20, 30 or 40 years from now.”
