Pog shows respect for fellow Reds after Cup win
PAUL Pogba declared he has ‘so much respect for the guys who are at United ‘ after Jose Mourinho hailed his ‘mature’ performances at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old became the first United player since 1966 to win the World Cup while playing for the club and was at the heart of France’s glorious summer as they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for only the second time ever.
Although Pogba scored in the 4-2 win against Croatia in the final on Sunday, what really caught the eye was his tactical discipline in a more restrained role throughout the tournament.
Mourinho, for one, hailed the United midfielder for playing with ‘great maturity’ following the semi-final clash with Belgium and how ‘when he had to hold position and to keep control of the game, he did’.
And ITV Sport interviewer Gabriel Clarke put that comment to Pogba.
“Your United colleagues, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard went close, the semifinal. Jose Mourinho has said that in this tournament ‘I have seen a more mature Paul Pogba’.
“What do you make of those guys, what Jose has said, and your old friends back at United?” he asked.
“Obviously I have so much respect for the guys who are at United,” Pogba responded.
“Belgium players, England players, Marcus, Jesse, Romelu, even Adnan [Januzaj], Phil Jones – I spoke with them and they congratulated me.
“Victor, as well, from Sweden, texted me ‘good luck’ and stuff like that even when they lost so obviously they are very good friends and family to me. I really appreciate that.”