‘It was a mistake to return to Man Utd’ reveals Juventus legend who claims Paul Pogba was good enough to win Ballon d’Or
PAUL POGBA made a “mistake” returning to Manchester United, claims Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio.
The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford for a then world-record £89million fee in 2016.
But he only showed glimpses of his quality in his six-year stay and never pushed on after an impressive spell at Juventus.
Marchisio, who played alongside Pogba in Turin, believes the Frenchman was good enough to win the Ballon d’Or.
But he claims his development was hindered after he joined United.
Marchisio said in an interview with AS: “I think it was a mistake to return to United. It didn’t help his development.”
Pogba struggled with injuries at Old Trafford and a knee problem has limited him to just eight appearances since he returned to Juventus.
Former Italy star Marchisio bemoaned his fitness issues and claimed he would have been one of the world’s best without the injury problems.
He added: “He was one of the teammates who impressed me the most on the field, injuries did not allow him to have the career he deserved, he could have aimed for the Ballon d’Or.”
Pogba, 31, was hit with a four-year ban after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production.
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Paul Pogba's career stats
Man Utd 2011-12 – 3 games
Juventus 2012-16 – 178 games, 34 goals
Man Utd 2016-22 – 226 games, 39 goals
Juventus 2022-current – 12 games
France – 91 caps, 11 goals
Honours
Serie A – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Coppa Italia – 2015, 2016
Europa League – 2017
League Cup – 2017
World Cup – 2018
Nations League – 2021
The midfielder has not featured for Juventus since September, when he received a provisional suspension for the offence.
Pogba has denied any wrongdoing and plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to appeal the decision.
He released a statement which read: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,
“And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”