Former Roma and Juventus defender Medhi Benatia reveals Paul Pogba told him he wanted to return to Juventus in 2018.
The ex-Morocco international played for both the Bianconeri and the Giallorossi, who meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night.
“If I think about Roma, the atmosphere and the passion for football come to mind,” he told Gazzetta.
“It was thrilling to score and celebrate under the Curva Sud. When I think of Juventus, I see the titles, especially the Coppa Italia we won when I scored a brace in the final against Milan. When I joke with my son, I always show him those goals: ‘Look how strong your father was…'”
Benatia joined Juventus in 2016 after Pogba’s €100m move to Manchester United. However, only two years later, the France international realised he wanted to return to Turin, at least according to Benatia.
Pogba had suffered a meniscus injury during the pre-season in 2022 and made his season debut in the derby della Mole against Torino last week.
“I am sorry for him, he’s gone through a difficult year, but I am not surprised to see him at Juventus,” admitted Benatia.
Why?
“When we [Juventus] faced him in Manchester, he told me that he loved Juventus and that he wanted to return.”
Benatia referred to a Champions League clash between the Old Lady and the Red Devils in 2018 with José Mourinho in charge of the Premier League giants.
Benatia did have the chance to play with Dybala in Turin. Just like him, the Argentinian has played for the Bianconeri and the Giallorossi.
“I am sorry Dybala left Juventus; everyone loved him. I don’t know what didn’t work with the Bianconeri directors. Paulo is one of the best three players in Serie A,” admitted Benatia.
“However, I like to see him in Rome, I was sure he’d become an idol and he’s also working with a top coach like Mourinho.
“I’d have loved to be coached by him, but I can’t complain. I had Garcia, Guardiola, Allegri and I won’t don’t forget Guidolin, a great coach. I’ve always respected Allegri. He was not correct with means he made mistakes, just ask Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli.
“However, I still love Allegri because he is a nice person and we are talking about things that happened in the past. Max and his staff must be respected, I have a close bond with [Allegri’s assistant Marco] Landucci.”
Benatia left the Allianz Stadium in January 2019, joining Al-Duhail, as he wasn’t getting regular playing time under Allegri.
The 35-year-old ended the interview with Gazzetta with a prediction on tonight’s game: “It will end 1-1 with Dybala and Kean on the scoresheet.”