Pogba hints at possible move from Old Trafford
Midfielder has had a tricky season at the Red Devils
Youri Tielemans, who has had a low-key season at French club Monaco. The decision to omit Nainggolan was criticised by former Belgian international Philippe Albert.
“We must be the only country in the world to be making the trip without one of the best players in the world. This is not the way to become world champions.”
Manchester City veteran Vincent Kompany is included, as is Barcelona’s
Thomas Vermaelen, despite both defenders being dogged by injuries this season.
Divock Origi, the Liverpool striker on loan at Wolsfburg, was left out.
Belgium face Portugal in a warmup friendly on
June 2. Paris – Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a move away from Manchester United, hinting at strains in his relationship with Jose Mourinho after a difficult season at Old Trafford.
The France international has had a tricky second season being left out of the side or substituted early. On other occasions manager Mourinho has publicly questioned his contributions, while transfer talk refuses to die down.
Asked by French television station Canal Plus if he would remain a United player, the 25-year-old declined to give a cast-iron commitment.
“You can never be sure of anything,” he said. “But contractually, it’s sure, yes.
“I can never look far into the future. It also depends [on] how it goes with the club, how things work out.”
Pogba also discussed his relationship with Mourinho, saying the pair did not have to have the perfect bond to work together professionally.
“There were times where I wasn’t playing, I was on the bench. There was a lot of talk, people thought it wasn’t working out, but a coach and a player don’t have to be best friends, we don’t have to go to restaurants together.
“I had a few little problems too... football is sometimes all about the mental side. He put me on the bench and I gave my response on the pitch.” And Pogba said being handed the captain’s armband in certain matches had helped him.
“I was made captain by Mourinho. It was the first time for me with a club and that is important for me,” he said.
“It also made me grow as a leader in the France team.” Pogba has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain but said such a move did not hold special appeal. –