We are still ‘in love’ with Pogba says Juve chief
JUVENTUS director Fabio Paratici has stoked the Paul Pogba transfer fire at United by claiming the Italian club still ‘love’ the player.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola insisted it is ‘over’ for the Frenchman at the Reds on the eve of the 3-2 defeat by RB Leipzig.
Raiola has been outspoken about the midfielder’s future at United and said the 27-year-old is ‘unhappy’ at Old Trafford.
The Reds are expected to cash in on Pogba in the next two transfer windows, though boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer has insisted the player is focussed on helping United be successful.
“You have to ask Paul if he is happy or not,” Solskjaer said.
“I’m not going to speak for him. Paul is focused on doing his best for the team and when he’s here he’s working hard in training and just needs to focus on his performances.
“The squad is fine, they’re a team, they stick together. As soon as Paul’s agent realises this is a team sport and we work together the better, and that’s maybe the last thing I’ll say on that.”
Paratici admitted Juve still admire Pogba as a player, but refused to be drawn further into a debate about his future. Real Madrid have also been touted for a move.
“I think it’d be rather costly,” Paratici said when asked about a move for Pogba. “We love him very much, we know he is a great player, but right now he is at Manchester United.”
United took the option to trigger a 12-month extension in Pogba’s contract, keeping him nominally at the club until June 2022, though they may have to sell in the coming summer or could have to let him go for free the following year.