The phrases Paul Pogba as soon as spoke now appear prophetic.
“Sometimes, I don’t want to have money any more,” he mentioned, “I just don’t want to play any more. I want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me, not for the fame, not for the money. Sometimes it’s tough.”
Pogba, as soon as the world’s most costly footballer who had the sport consuming out of the palm of his hand, mentioned this simply 24 hours earlier than testing optimistic for drug use. Fast ahead six months and it appears a few of Pogba’s needs are about to return true.
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The Italian authorities have hit the World Cup winner with a 4 yr ban from soccer for doping, which Pogba intends to attraction. It means Pogba can be in his mid-30s earlier than having the ability to pull on a pair of trainers once more, so his profession is completed on the age of 31.
It additionally means Pogba will commerce fame for infamy, the cash from membership and sponsorship contracts will cease rolling in, he will not play and could have on a regular basis on the earth to spend hanging out with regular individuals once more.
Be cautious what you want for, as a result of it is a fall from grace to rank proper up there with probably the most notorious in sport, not to mention soccer. The Frenchman was a maverick.
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(Image: Getty Images)
He gained numerous trophies in his first spell with Juventus, whereas conquering the world with France at Russia 2018, having scored within the remaining win over Croatia. In between, he had returned to Manchester United in a deal costing £100m, breaking the world switch file.
United bosses might barely comprise themselves. The prodigal son had come again to Old Trafford – and Pogba would encourage United to turn out to be the most effective staff in England and Europe once more.
But Pogba’s relationship with soccer was difficult. He had no outlined position at United. The fact was that on the time, he was too good for them.
(Image: PA)
He fell out with Jose Mourinho, suffered extra accidents than had completely different haircuts and questions surfaced concerning the firm he saved.
Known because the “Octopus” to some as a consequence of his lengthy legs, Pogba’s tentacles stretched method past the game. He liked social media, flash vehicles, hanging out with American rapper Drake, or fellow footballer Mario Balotelli, and even set a date for when he would go on to win the Ballon d’Or.
(Image: NurPhoto by way of Getty Images)
Pogba, who employed the late tremendous agent Mino Raiola, appeared to like billboards greater than scoreboards. But the so-called ‘Poster Boy’ was in decline, and turning into an ‘Imposter Boy’ as a substitute. Pogba allowed the distractions to distract him – and he was offered again to Juve from United in 2022.
(Image: Offside by way of Getty Images)
After his first exit from Old Trafford, then United supervisor Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned: “I don’t think he showed us any respect at all.” Now Pogba has proven that very same lack of “respect” to himself, his membership, household and the complete recreation.
What ought to have been a stellar profession has collapsed, and whoever’s fault that is, there’s something actually tragic in it.