Paul Pogba has revealed that he rejected an opportunity to join Real Madrid before sealing his mega-money move to Manchester United last year.
France midfielder Pogba became the most expensive footballer in the world — though that title now belongs to Neymar — when he rejoined United from Juventus for an initial fee of £89.5million in August 2016.
Pogba had left United on a free transfer four years earlier but he claims that his love for the club drew him back to Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Beyond the Pitch podcast, Pogba explained: ‘To be honest, Real Madrid came to me and I was thinking to go there, and I was thinking to go to Manchester United too.
‘But I always felt it in my heart. My heart told me to come back here, I don’t know why, I didn’t know what was going to happen.
‘But I did it, and I don’t regret. I never regret my choice.’
United only finished fifth in the Premier League in Pogba’s first season back at the club, but they won the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
Pogba said: ‘That’s what we were expecting, to go back in the Champions League and to win some trophies.
‘Obviously the main objective was to win the Premier League. It didn’t happen but we won other trophies, so I’m glad.’
He added: ‘I came back for a reason, just to put Manchester United where they belong. I’m sure we can do that so I’m going to give my best until we arrive there.’
Pogba is key member of manager Jose Mourinho’s plans — he’s provided three goals and five assists in eight Premier League games this term.
The 24-year-old believes that his boss is well worthy of his ‘Special One’ nickname.
‘He’s really special,’ Pogba said. ‘He has a special way to start the games, a special way to speak to the players, a special way to speak to the journalists, so he’s really special.
‘He motivates me. He speaks to me a lot. He trusts me. He’s the one who made me captain in the Champions League (against Basle) so I can see that he really believes in me.’
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