Paul Pogba returned to Juventus this summer, six years after leaving Turin for Manchester United. The 2018 World Cup winner initially arrived in Turin in 2012 as a raw talent with something to prove after not being given an opportunity in his first spell at Old Trafford; he left in 2016 as the world’s most expensive player.
Paul Pogba can be seen in Juventus’ 2022-23 away kit, which was revealed on July 21 – click here to pre-order from Kitbag and get free delivery for a limited time
It’s probably fair to say his second tenure at United was as frustrating as his first, albeit in a different way. The first time around Pogba was on the fringes of the first team under Sir Alex Ferguson, making only a handful of appearances for the Red Devils. When he went back in 2016 it was to a very different club – Ferguson had retired, David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal had come and gone and Jose Mourinho was the man in charge.
Pogba’s United return was certainly not all bad – there were moments of brilliance from the France international, including a match-winning two-goal contribution against Manchester City in April 2018. He also lifted a few cups – the Europa League and EFL Cup both came in 2016-17. But that was as good as it got.
There was a spectacular falling-out with Mourinho, who was quoted by the Telegraph as comparing Pogba to a ‘virus’ for his negative influence at the club. “You don’t respect players and supporters. And you kill the mentality of the good honest people around you,” the current Roma boss was alleged to have said in late 2018. “You are like a person with a flu, with a virus in a closed room – you pass that virus to the others.” Mourinho, perhaps unsurprisingly, left United soon after the comments came out.
It was all in stark contrast to Pogba’s glorious time in Turin. He was part of four consecutive Scudetto-winning teams under Antonio Conte and Max Allegri, and three times was named in the Serie A team of the year. Arguably the only negative was Juve’s failure to land the Champions League – they were runners-up to Barcelona in 2014-15.
Pogba’s first spell at Juve doubtlessly represents the best years of his career. And at only 29, there can be plenty more good years ahead, reunited with Allegri, the coach under whom he thrived previously. But after a tumultuous period in Manchester, Pogba’s years in Turin feel a long time ago – so here’s a gallery of the returning hero to refresh the memory, complete with some great, long-forgotten Juve kits…
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2012-13
Pogba’s debut season in Italy ends in success as Juve clinch their second successive Scudetto. He made 27 appearances in the league, scoring five goals, and was lauded as one of the best young players in Europe for his performances.
2013-14
Pogba increased in importance to Juve in the 2013-14 season, making more appearances for the club across all competitions than any of his teammates with 51, and scoring nine goals. Juve won their third straight Scudetto – Pogba’s second.
2014-15
Juve had a new coach as Allegri replaced Conte but nothing much changed – the Old Lady were again champions of Italy, and Pogba was again central to their success. He was the youngest player shortlisted for the 2014 Ballon d’Or and crucial as Juve reached the Champions League final.
2015-16
Pogba’s final season at Juventus was perhaps his best, with eight goals in Serie A personal record. He also claimed 12 assists, the joint-most in the league – level with teammate Miralem Pjanic. His form was enough to convince United to pay €105m to take him back to the Premier League.
2022-23
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(Image: Juventus’ official site) ![]()
Six years later, Pogba’s back in Italy after his contract at United expired. Juve have a history of smart free transfer signings and Pogba’s initial capture was one of the best of the lot. Will his return reap similar rewards? Only time will tell…
Get the Juventus 2022-23 home and away shirts at Kitbag – with free delivery for a limited time
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