Super agent Rafaela Pimenta, who took over the Mino Raiola empire, spoke about the recent difficulties of Paul Pogba and his decision to return to Juventus.
The 29-year-old French midfielder left Manchester United after six years in the summer and penned a four-year deal with the Bianconeri, being a much anticipated arrival in Turin. Things didn’t start well for Pogba and he was immediately sidelined with a knee injury, an issue that’s forced him to miss every game so far this season.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Pimenta first discussed the issues plaguing Pogba in his personal life.
“When Paul finally decided to get help he improved the situation and realised there was a solution. He is in the hands of lawyers. Paul has now done everything he had to do. Yes, maybe he could have told me earlier but I understand him.
“Because it’s not easy to talk about these things and often you try to solve them on your own, because you are ashamed, because you are afraid. But when Paul decided to talk, things were on their way to being resolved.
“It happens much more often than you imagine and in fact with Paul we came up with a project, to develop a platform for dialogue and support for a footballer’s mental health, anonymously to give advice, because footballers are not always able to overcome certain problems.”
She spoke about how Pogba is feeling now.
“He’s enthusiastic. Paul’s superpower is to overcome difficulties with incredible strength and great positivity.
“There was a moment a few weeks ago when he said to me: ‘Rafaela, that’s enough. I don’t want to think about anything anymore, I focus on my knee and recovery, because I want to play again’.
“And that’s what he did. I’m sure he didn’t listen to anyone or hear anything anymore, because he is capable of shutting out the world and concentrating on one single goal.”
The super agent looked back at the Frenchman’s decision to join Juventus on a free transfer this summer.
“It all happened in April, when Arrivabene and Nedved came to Monte-Carlo to watch the Masters 1000 tennis tournament. They came by the office, we chatted a bit and I said to them, why don’t you sign Pogba? And they said: ‘Sure! We can do it tomorrow, would he come?’ And I said: ‘Let’s call him’.
“And so it went… What did Paul say? He was happy. He cares about Juve. He had other hypotheses on the table, but when he heard the word Juve he immediately put them aside. He loves this club and he loves Italy.
“This is because Juventus has given him wonderful moments and the greatest happiness. Then you know, the player will always remain linked to the club where he made the leap from unknown to great player, for Paul Juventus means so much.
“Since he left Juventus he has always watched Juventus games and suffered and cheered for them. I have never heard Paul speak ill of Juventus, except for two things. When he was there they went to a hotel retreat and he complained a lot about the size of the bed: too short.
“He used to say, ‘My feet are coming out! The other thing was pasta with tomato sauce: ‘Rafaela, there’s always pasta with tomato sauce’. And I used to answer him: ‘You’re in Italy! What do you want to eat? Rice and beans?’
“But we used to joke a lot about this and this summer he had become almost obsessive. He couldn’t wait to close the deal. He was constantly asking me: when am I going to Juve? When am I going to Juve? He was excited like crazy. Weeks passed like that… and then he arrived and got hurt. An immense sorrow.”
Pimenta discussed Pogba’s initial decision not to have an operation on his knee.
“Juventus were very correct to give him the freedom to decide, because the knee is his. Now, he is not a doctor and neither am I. We spoke to many specialists, most of them suggested surgery, some suggested conservative therapy.
“Of course when you want to avoid surgery you are selective in listening and you tend to listen to those who say: conservative therapy… he tried it and it went wrong.
“Why did he not want the operation? Because he was convinced that with conservative therapy he would come back sooner. And he had the goal of coming back as soon as possible to serve the team. Fortunately, that’s over now. He will soon be back on the pitch for his Juve team.”
The super agent made a brief comment about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future plans.
“In my opinion he doesn’t even know yet, because he is still a great player and he still thinks like a footballer. Someone like him can do anything.”
Finally, Pimenta commented on if Gianluigi Donnarumma would return to Serie A one day.
“I know that things are going well in Paris and Gigio is getting on wonderfully, but no one knows the future.”
Good luck and more power to you Mr Pogba. Looking forward to seeing you on the pitch soon!
“Paul’s superpower” lol
What a load of garbage. Pogba’s main superpower is pretending he’s a serious professional. And he can’t even do that right.
I really have NO idea why a sports paper prints what an agent has to say. It’s all superlatives about their client. Have you ever heard an agent say something critical about one of their charges? I would not give them the space.
@Donato Totaro
Totally agree! The only reason they say anything at all is to increase the value of their client. Nothing strange, but it is not that interesting reading advertisements.