Paul Pogba, the enigmatic French midfielder, has confirmed that he turned down an offer from Manchester City and Pep Guardiola when leaving Manchester United as a free agent in 2022. This disclosure adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding one of football’s most polarizing figures, whose career has been marked by moments of brilliance and controversy in equal measure.
Speaking exclusively to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba answered with a resounding “yes” when asked if he had snubbed interest from Guardiola’s Manchester City. This decision came at a crucial juncture in Pogba’s career, as he found himself at a crossroads after six tumultuous years at Old Trafford following his record-breaking £89 million ($116m) return to Manchester United in 2016.
The opportunity to join the Premier League champions and work under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, would have been tempting for any player. However, Pogba’s decision to reject City’s advances in favor of a return to Juventus speaks volumes about his priorities and emotional ties to the Italian giants.
Pogba’s choice to retrace his steps to Turin was seen as a romantic gesture by many, a return to the club where he first blossomed into a world-class midfielder. The Frenchman’s initial spell at Juventus from 2012 to 2016 saw him develop into one of the most sought-after players in world football, culminating in his then-world record transfer back to Manchester United.
However, the fairytale return to Juventus has not gone according to plan. Since rejoining the Bianconeri in the summer of 2022, Pogba has made just 12 appearances for the club, with his time in Turin marred by injuries and, most recently, a doping scandal that has cast a long shadow over his career.
Pogba is currently serving a doping ban that will keep him off the pitch until March 2025. This latest setback has raised questions about his future in football and whether he still has a place at Juventus. Despite these challenges, Pogba remains defiant and loyal to the Old Lady.
When quizzed about the possibility of joining his former Manchester United teammate and close friend Zlatan Ibrahimovic at AC Milan, Pogba’s response was unequivocal: “Ibra will always be Ibra, a legend of the club: with his experience he can give a lot to the Rossoneri. Calling me to bring me to Milan? Zlatan knows that I am under contract with Juve. I don’t see myself wearing another shirt. My focus now is to get back to wearing the Juve one.”
This statement of intent will undoubtedly be music to the ears of Juventus fans, who have stood by Pogba through thick and thin. It also sends a clear message to potential suitors, with rumors linking the World Cup winner to clubs in Ligue 1 and even Major League Soccer.
Pogba’s revelation about rejecting Manchester City adds another intriguing chapter to the storied rivalry between the Manchester clubs. It also raises questions about what might have been had Pogba chosen to link up with Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. Would the creative midfielder have thrived under Pep’s system? Could he have been the missing piece in City’s quest for Champions League glory?
For Manchester United supporters, Pogba’s decision not to join their crosstown rivals may offer a small consolation, even if his time at Old Trafford ultimately ended in disappointment. The Frenchman’s performances during his second spell with the Red Devils were often inconsistent, dividing opinion among fans and pundits alike.
As it stands, Pogba remains under contract with Juventus until the summer of 2026. However, there have been murmurs about the possibility of those terms being terminated early, with many believing that a fresh start might be beneficial for both player and club.
The road ahead for Pogba is fraught with challenges. At 31 years old, time is no longer on his side, and the lengthy doping ban means he will have been out of competitive football for over a year when he becomes eligible to play again. Regaining match fitness and rediscovering his best form will be a monumental task.
Yet, if there’s one thing Paul Pogba has demonstrated throughout his career, it’s his ability to surprise and defy expectations. His unwavering commitment to Juventus in the face of adversity suggests that he is not ready to give up on his second stint in Turin just yet.
Paul Pogba’s career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs, lows, and plenty of drama. His decision to reject Manchester City in favor of a return to Juventus demonstrates the emotional pull that certain clubs can have on players, sometimes outweighing purely footballing considerations.
As Pogba serves out his ban and plots his comeback, the football world will be watching with bated breath. Can he overcome this latest setback and silence his critics once and for all? Or will this prove to be one hurdle too many for the talented but troubled midfielder?
One thing is certain: Paul Pogba’s story is far from over. Whether he can write a triumphant final chapter at Juventus or if his future lies elsewhere remains to be seen. But as his revelation about snubbing Manchester City proves, when it comes to Paul Pogba, expect the unexpected.
