Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he didn’t expect much from World Cup winner Paul Pogba when he arrived in 2012: “I thought he was one of many passing through.”
The French midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester United eight years ago and through his performances in Turin, he gradually established himself to become one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
Pogba returned to Manchester United for €105m in August 2016 but has recently been linked with a return to the Old Lady.
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he didn’t expect much from World Cup winner Paul Pogba when he arrived in 2012: “I thought he was one of many passing through.”
The French midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester United eight years ago and through his performances in Turin, he gradually established himself to become one of the most sought-after talents in European football.
Pogba returned to Manchester United for €105m in August 2016 but has recently been linked with a return to the Old Lady.
Chiellini, in his autobiography, recalled his first impressions of Pogba in August 2012. “I remember when he came. Three or four days into the retreat, my teammates and I looked at each other and said: ‘This guy is really good’.
“He came as a free agent from Manchester United, he was very young, and we thought he was just one of many passing through. One of those who clubs use to do work on the market.
“However… Nobody expected such a champion. Paul moved around with incredible physique, he was magical, impressive. And to say that the first games he played out of position, in front of the defence to ease [Andrea] Pirlo.
“But knowing him, in the time to come it became clear that the role had limited him. Paul could not open his stride and free his physical and technical arrogance, what would allow him to become the formidable box-to-box player we know.”