The following is a guest post from Ahmed Zulfiqar – You can follow him on Twitter here
It has been the never-ending transfer saga of the summer. At long last, France & Juventus star midfielder Paul Pogba is on the verge of a move to Manchester United for a world record €110M fee, and a return to the team which he left under acrimonious circumstances in 2012.
Pogba’s time at the Italian powerhouse has been a huge success to say the least. A Scudetto winner in each of his four seasons, multiple Italian cup & Supercup triumphs as well as a runner-up appearance in the 2015 Champions League final has seen the Frenchman’s stock rise & him attaining global superstar status, along with being named in the 2015 FIFA Team of the Year.
He is unquestionably one of the most gifted players of his era, combining flair, technique & the knack of scoring spectacular goals to devastating effect.
That Juventus chose to hand Pogba the sacred #10 shirt at the beginning of the 2015/16 season spoke volumes of how highly they valued him. He would now be amongst the pantheon of Juventus legends such as Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio & arguably the greatest French footballer of them all, Michel Platini. Pogba duly delivered, with 8 goals & a league high 12 assists in Serie A as well some sparkling performances in the Champions League.
At the age of 23 with the world at his feet & Juventus building a squad worthy of a serious CL challenge, it seemed like a match made in football heaven. Until it was not.
For footballing reasons, it has been hard to fathom why Pogba would decide to leave Juventus at this stage of his career. United are in the midst of yet another rebuild, and have embarrassingly not even managed to qualify for the Champions League. For a player who has publicly admitted the desire to be a Ballon D’Or winner one day, playing in the lowly Europa League is not exactly ideal to say the least. At Juve Pogba was the face of the team and its biggest star, whilst at United he will now have to share the limelight with two other plus sized egos of Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Wayne Rooney.
Barcelona had already come asking for him in the summer of 2015 with Juve knocking back a reported €80M bid for Pogba. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has professed many times to being an admirer of Pogba, and has made no secret of his desire to sign him. The 2 teams are also genuine CL favourites every season, and have been sharing the Ballon D’Or between them these past few years. A move to either Spanish giant was simply a matter of time, and would have been considered a genuine ‘step up’ in Pogba’s career.
Which brings us down to the real bottom line; money. United have been willing to offer a three-fold increase to a reported €13M annual salary, a figure La Vecchia Signora simply cannot match this stage. Juve would be more than happy to give Pogba a new contract with a significant pay rise considering they just obliterated their wage cap of €4.5M – Pogba’s salary at Juve right now – by giving new star signing Gonzalo Higuain a €7.5M per season, 5 year contract. With his best years still way ahead of him, was selling out like this the right move for Pogba?
Only time will tell.
Really didn’t expect him to write such a good read, considering his usual tweets or mocks to United fans (I am a big fan of it by the way).
I think time will prove that Pogba needed us, and not the other way round.
Couldnt agree more.
Q: With his best years still way ahead of him, was selling out like this the right move for Pogba?
A: No
I was telling anyone who would listen that he would be pursuaded to leave by the devil Raiola, and that the Juve ‘project’ alone would not be enough. Fell on deaf ears a lot, with some on this great place of ‘mature’ JuveFC worship being in complete denial or too naieve to the corruption of the modern football world by money.
He was always going to be levereged away from us by Raiola, in the same way he got him to us from UTD. Perhaps it’s irony at the finest that he should stab us both in the back in turn, pocketing money for himself at every stage. Sorry, I don’t care if he got us Pogba and Nedved etc – that man is scum. Reading how he double-crossed his original football agent employer who gave this tubby pizza dough boy a HUGE break in life through the gifting to him of a translators job in a transfer deal, only for him to (allegedly) copy some of the transfer documents to see how it was done and then compete as an agent against his former employer shows what a scumbag he is.
The less said about that man the better – his antics are not the worst of humanity, but not too far off IMHO. in fact I refuse to say his name anymore. From now on will be referenced by me as simply ‘The Devil’.
As for Pogba, well that can only be a feeling of real regret and disgust that he has both been disloyal to the #10 shirt, the Juventini who idolised him, Gigi B who he said he wanted to help win the CL amongst other things. And for what is all that disgrace for? Nothing more than extra wealth that he doesn’t even need.
Enjoy it Paul. But don’t be surprised if you end up at the end of your time at UTD with only more cash to show for it than if you had stayed loyal.
i think i love you – My feelings on Raiola and this horrid situation summed up
You’re welcome chap.
I’m still in denial of him leaving. the Higuain deal does not mean he will leave. the media has been stating for the last 2 weeks that ManU are 48hours away from signing Pogba and it hasent happened…I also wouldent be to hard on the lad, if this where his doing …then yea fuck greedy Pogba but lets be Honest Riola is the one doing all the persuading, we can only hope that pogba has a good shoulder of advice to fall on elsewhere (which i think he does considering everything is taking this long).
Also it can work both ways, sure it is seen as disrespect giving him the #10, and have legends and fans of the club adore him,
But maybe as well he feels disrespected being the face of the club all this time and paying him only 4.5M, then in an all in move by the gang up in club management go in and buy a striker and automatically offer 7M…we should have gave pogba a raise to 7M then higher Higuain for 7M or offer Higuain the same 4.5M
Pogs knew he would get a(nother) better contract mate. He could not have been under any confusion about that. The fact that Higuain deal was done first is simply because The Devil chose not to confirm that Pogba was not going to leave for any other club. If he had done that and stated 100% that only a renewal with Juve was on the cards it would have been sorted before Euro’s.
But of course he chose to start a public bidding process for his client. And that was a huge (but calculated) factor in not having a new improved contract.
question is IF he leaves….who replaces him? Kroos, James, Matic are out of the question. Could it be:
– Moussa Sissoko? (i read we inquired a price and beppe considered him the ideal replacement in this event)
– Matuidi? (Man U’s plan B incase they couldent snatch Pogba,)
– Bastain Shwansteiger? (Man U is looking to sell and if we can get him in form again and for cheap…dear lord!)
– Draxler ?
– Chatanlagyu?
If i where asked by management id Pick non other than Kroos or Rakatic, and seeing how Kroos isnt possible that leaves only Rakatic
I would hate to see Mata..nothing left in that burned cartridge…Not many more options…Not many midfielders on par with Pogba’s level
What do you guys think? or has anyone read anything to hint at a clue???
Herrara from porto
that’s actually a good idea…he hasen’t shined in recent Mexico games, but when he shines he shines….id be happy to see a paisano in juve’s colors
yeah,that would be great.I admire the strength and will to fight till end by many players from s-america.Vidal was perfect in these things.
Nobody say Pjanic!…that wouldent be smart, yes he is a good player but he isnt Pogba’s replacment, yes we remain a good team without Pogba and still champions league contenders, But there is a difference between “good Team” VS “Fuck you Madrid and Barca, we have the best midfield now!!!” If pogba leaves i am of the opinion that he must be replaced with the closest level of talent possible! we need to be a strong A-Team, not a barely A-Team. We need to raise the middle finger high and proud to those foolish spanish giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pogba doesnt make that much a difference. We re a stronger team without him.
Witsel is the name that keeps getting thrown around. Over and over !
he’s not bad…but i read recently that we offered 15M and it was rejected, and that Everton offered 30M …Paying even 20M to me seems to expensive for him especially considering his contract is almost expired, we can probably get him for free if we just wait a season or 2 (not sure how much contract time is left.
i also read that we where looking into verratti? https://www.around-j.com/juventus-targeting-marco-verratti-paul-pogba-replacement/
Ive always been highly critical of Pogba and i think all this is bs. Hes taking his career as a joke with this move.
Man u are paying for his potential.
We dont need him, i never fell for the media hype surrounding Pogba. Hes always been a player who s only able to create MOMENTS of brilliance. Hes never been consistenly influential and yet to understand the fundementals of being a midfielders. His tactical play is mediocre.
He was never our best midfielder and ita a disgrace he even got a chance to wear our number 10. And thats what pisses me off the most. Piece of shit.
In that case youre are so perfectly right. Pogba is just Minos merchandise,hes so overrated.
I would go for Herrara or Witsel.But I would go for Witsel.
Some say Kroos or whatever. totally bs.
what do you think of alves, pjanic,pjaca,benatia and higu??
Great ending.
If he left for Man u next year when they hypothetically qualified for C.L I’d understand but this is really a bizarre move on his end, if not one of the most bizarre moves I’ve ever seen in my life. I get he will make more money but I thought he had a stronger character than that. He might never have a team this strong to challenge for C.L in his career so why on earth would you leave now? But if he wishes to go then by all means go head. Sure he will be missed but don’t forget that gives Dybala, Pjanic and Higguain more touches as I think Lemina will be there fore defensive reinforcements. He loves the limelight too much, always on social media stuffing his lifestyle everyone’s throat. We get it dude, you have money but is that all you’re made off? In a way Totti had a good point when he threw Higguain under the bus but to Gonzalo’s defense, he left for a team that is better in every shape and form. In Pogba’s case? This is just greed nothing else man. Juve worked tirelessly to make you happy, bring in sponsors and even gave you Del Piero’s number!!! Such a shame, now you can dab your ass off in Europa league…….. have fun playing against midtable german and spanish teams.
Side note – I am pretty sure in this deal Beppe will try to include some of Man U’s best young players. I have complete faith in this management.
like Timothy Fosu-Mensah? ive never heard of the lad but judging by how everyone is outraged, mad at mourinho and claiming this is Pogba Pt2 XD….i want him lol https://www.caughtoffside.com/2016/07/29/manchester-united-fans-blast-jose-mourinho-over-talk-starlet-will-leave-old-trafford/
i would also want Depay and or Shwansteiger…the rest of the team can stay over glorified and weak living off of a past memory. Ive always hated Man U ujt hate them so much more now
If he goes……. I hope Kean goes with him, ’cause that would mean no more Raiola. I swear, that man…… ugh. He’s making me see Higuaín in a different light.
“no more The Devil”
+1. It won’t happen but he should be banned from dealings with the club. Agents have a role to play sure, unsettling players on purpose should not be one of them.
Or not advising them properly! I feel like Pogba’s social media posts since the whole thing began have been a bit tasteless and hurtful…. for either fanbase! Now he’s playing into the whole thing… he’s fueling the rumors instead of either being quiet or trying to assure everyone.
I saw a pic about it on Twitter that I think sums it up perfectly…. you’ve all probably seen it…. basically, Pogba is now a Kardashian. Using rumors and leaked “truths” to make noise.
I’d rather keep Kean and if Matuidi comes in for a fair price I will hold less venom towards Raiola, who is, afterall, just doing his job. The blame for the story now turning into an event which eats away at the dignity of both Pogba and to some degree ourselves, I place more firmly on the player’s shoulders. I do not think that the frenchman has shown us the respect we deserve, hence Rav’s heart felt outburst up top which I can relate to yet am exhausted from my heart, soul and spirit been ravaged elsewhere of late leaving very little…
Kean is back in training with the primavera, scored twice in a 3-2 win against a local side a couple of days back and I assume and hope he will be accompanying the U19s to their mini tournament in Germania where we will play Red Star Belgrade (30th), Sporting Lisbon (31st) and Hamburg (31st) in the group stage.
I don’t think Raiola is thinking of his player first with these deals.. I honestly think he’s more motivated by that 20% and the fact that ManU probably had more money available to spend. If he were thinking solely of his client, he’d be dealing with Real Madrid… or maybe just trying to get a better contract at Juve. But…. ManU….? Why, specially this season, and after all Pogba himself has said about his time there as recently as earlier this year?
Perhaps I’m blaming Raiola for things that are beyond his reach.. let’s just say whoever are part of Pogba’s PR team, officially or unoficially, are doing a reeeeally bad job. In the past few weeks, Pogba has gone from being “happy and lovable” to “ugh, this guy again?”. I’m not mad at Pogba.. but I am immensly disappointed in him. He is young but he should already know better. All this time saying he wanted to be the best…… for some reason I thought he wanted to be the best at football, not at being a media whore.
The whole situation sucks for him because now, regardless of where he plays, he needs to have an amaaazing season. Nothing short of stellar. The only reason why Ibrahimovic can be a cocky a-hole is because he makes the difference on the field. Same for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nothing can detract from Pogba’s contribution to our success in the last 4 seasons…..but the way his time at Juve is coming to an end leaves a truly horrid and bitter taste.
Some people thing less of it – That he is simply a young man, enjoying the spotlight and attention that is being afforded him.
I see a young man buying into his own hype – the figures thrown around by the press, social media and the rest have fed into his belief that he’s worth that amount.
That god awful Adidas advertising has also left me feeling somewhat cold towards the kid.
When Tevez left, he said so, and he went.
When Vidal left, he said so, and he left
When Pirlo Left, he said so, and he left.
This whole transfer has been a glorified advertisement for Adidas – People will tell me that we are getting PR out of it, as are Man U – That there may even be an explicit deal between clubs and sponsor to allow all this happen……but where are the fans in all this? the supporters who chanted his name when he went months without producing anything?
when his head dropped, and we told him that it was alright – Where is the gratitude? Where is the RESPECT? is this what football has come to? That the kid has simply become a glorified, walking advertisement for Adidas ?
Horrid, wretched and cheap – we’re Juventus – we’re not some PL club, stuffing our faces silly on the dollars generated by bloated shirt sales and bragging about our reputation as the biggest club in the world etc etc etc.
A cheap end.
My memories of the players i loved at Juve ? Montero, fighting for every ball, defending his teammates, taking a red for his unbreakable fight and spirit.
Birindelli – A quiet faithful warrior – A man who wore those colours with honour.
Del Piero, Nedved, Buffon, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Pessotto…..the list goes on and on – The players that mattered to this club.
Paul could have left with his class intact, He could have stayed quiet and waited and then moved on. No. Instead, he lowered himself to something that no other member of this team has done. He became a walking talking dollar sign.
Memories ? I’ll remember the time i watched him play at Torino in the pouring rain and he came and saluted us supporters in the curva. The danced, he sang and he clapped……I’ll CHOOSE to remember that Paul Pogba.
Have some respect for the shirt that you wore. For the club that gave you everything.
Enough with these cheap adverts. Enough with fuelling speculation.
Basta.
… starting to feel like Raiola’s specialty lately: his clients end up being products of their own hype. Balotelli, Ibrahimovic… and now Pogba.
another marvellous article created by you.
I always admired Del Piero,we were born the same day,with a difference of 16 years. He was Juve.Same with Buffon,Nedved,Davids,
Now Im excited to see how Dybala will develop.
Pogba is just becoming posh.
And dont let this shit get to deep into your heart.
Its worthless like Pauls attitude.
Brilliantly put, comrade. I shall weigh in with some of my own thoughts later this evening…after returning from a 6th birthday dinner for my beloved elder niece MonkeyFace.
well said! Just another corporate shill, putting his money interests before the feelings of his Juve fans. Ive really lost interest in his silly antics.
Good point RAV!
but if he stays this summer then these advertisements are done with consent of juventus.
So im not european, and live in america…Does Anybody know a link to a Print Out or PDF showing all Juventus games and times for this upcoming 2016/2017 season??? something similar to this for Liverpool: https://www.sportsoverdose.com/english-premier-league-epl/liverpool-schedule-2016-2017
but for Juve and preferably printable…I dont care about the time zone i can convert that myself, i just need a calander to plan my sleep schedule during the weekends XD. Thanks
Check this out:
https://www.legaseriea.it/it/serie-a-tim/calendario-e-risultati
awesome thanks
if he chooses UTD over Juve, then he is not a true Juventino. UTD are starting from scratch, which means he will have to wait a few years to even have a shot at the CL. For me he was just another Juve player that didn’t really leave a lasting impression on the team. He wants to go, Adios, not interested in his skills anymore. Now we have to focus on what we’ve got, A MIGHTY TEAM!
The best Juve in years. DECADES!!
I swear on that. The machine will soon start.
Cant wait to see this JUVE!!
Off topic but it seems Marrone has been converted to a full time CB. What do you guys think about this? I remember him as a decent talent in midfield.
Conte played him there a few times I recall, Dutch. He has always looked confident and comfortable on the ball and he is likely been considered mainly because he satisfies number 2 on the list of 4 required home grown (at the club) players.
Injuries curtailed his last season out on loan yet when he returned he played in the DM/CM role. He is a natural regista I believe. And playing at the back presently, because he can do and we are missing three other centrebacks.
I’d be happy to see him given the chance this season at Juve as we have only Marchisio who can perform solidly in the DM role, other than Khedira yet I prefer to see the big fella able to play more box to box to make use of his cunning and power in the final third. And so why not include a specialist DM in the squad eh!
I always thought of him better as a vice-Marchisio (which would be DM) but he could also be a great vice-Bonucci (a regista-ish CB) since, like poet said, he’s very confident and comfortable when he gets the ball. I like the kid, I hope he’s given a chance and that he’s able to rise to the occasion.
I like him too. But i think injuries has delayed his development quite abit. He should be much further than he is right now.
I agree. Fingers crossed that this year will be his year!!
A brief note…in terms of the 4 required home grown at the club players, it is looking increasingly likely that these will be Marchisio, Marrone, Audero and Mattiello. Although Mattiello – whose wretched misfortune with injuries continues – will perhaps be loaned out in January. What this means for the squad of 25 is…
GK Buffon, Neto, Audero
RB Alves, Lichsteiner, Mattiello
CB Rugani, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Benatia
LB Evra, Sandro
CM Khedira, Marchisio, Lemina, Asamoah, Sturaro, Hernanes, Mandragora
AM Pjanic, Pereyra
SS – Dybala, Pjaca
CF – Mandzukic, Zaza, Higuain
Of that squad of 27, in the least two must be moved elsewhere. Maximum squad size is 25. I suspect we are to replace Pogba, which means 3 of the above need to be moved on. And if Barbosa comes in, 4 of the above are leaving.
Zaza, Mandragora, Hernanes seem the most obvious choices to make way. As for the 4th, if we are to sign the Barbosa…my money would be on Pereyra.
Audero is not experienced enough to be number 2 to Buffon, and Neto may wish to seek first team football as we seek to line our pockets with more gold. It matters little in terms of the home grown requirements.
And so…I see the squad shaping up as-
GK Buffon, Neto (or a replacement of vast experience), Audero
RB Alves, Lichsteiner, Mattiello
CB Rugani, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Benatia
LB Evra, Sandro
CM Khedira, Marchisio, Lemina, Asamoah, Sturaro, Pogba replacement
AM Pjanic
SS – Dybala, Pjaca
CF – Mandzukic, Barbosa, Higuain
Great post TGP. I am loving that squad setup, add only Paul Pogba and we are set.
Management has boosted so much this squad i actually feel like we are just polishing our Ferrari (Although I like lambos even more) because the homework has already been done (maybe Add gabigol and thats it), but there´s only so much polishing you can do. Can we just start the season and get it over with?
Can´t wait for the season to start. After that true contender barren UCL last year after we lef I BELIEVE NEXT UCL IS OURS
Thanks TGP for the update. I am glad we are countign on Mattiello, the kid demands some divine justice or compensation after his terrible injury.
I was actually going to ask about Mattiello. Is he back on the field already? That injury looked like his carreer was gonna be ruined.
Well to break your right leg twice in a year is horrific misfortune, yet thankfully the second break (tibia) was far more minor that the sickening Radja double bone cruncher and the youngster is back in training as of a week or so back. Training separately from the main senior squad on a specialized program. He is staying at the club until January. And may well count as one of the home grown…or is that cheating?
I see. Hopefully he can make a full recovery and wear our first team shirt again one day. I don’t know too much about the home grown player rules.
Love this new Juve squad ..
This site is awesome again. Thanks to Rav and GutterPoets amazing posts.
i really appreciate those kind words amico !
Paul Pogba´s #NoNonsense camp
By watching some headlines I thought there was nothing new going on, same British “news” (Paul deal almost done) contradicting the Italian news (Higuain coming doesn´t mean Paul leaving… and Paul silent).
I didn´t want to bother to read through all of it. I Saw the Juve news channel… nothing there either, So I went straight here to see what tone of news were up here at Juve camp. Saw this post, since reading the first lines it was clear it was nor about an “IRREVERSIBLE, OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL and btw OFFICIAL once again, done deal ,end of story Pogba to ManU transfer (or anywhere else for that matter) kind of post, neither was it a post about a “Paul denies all transfer claims, curses media,bashes all other club´s managers and club boards, declares war against every other team, and swears love and loyalty to Juve forever only to afterwards stating he wants to retire in black and white”.
To be honest with you I didn´t even read the post and went straight to the comment section to gauge the fanbase sentiment on matters as of yet. After reading some short comments and Rav´s post I found Dar Black´s comment and thought wait what did we actually sell Paul or what? Should I read the featured post again? It didn´t have any OFICIALLY OFICIAL sign anywhere. Should I read again other outlets headlines? (Which I did. A storm of meaningful and insightful headlines and posts was completely absent. It was a ghost town).
Then I started to reflect and thought hey Dar Black and Rav pals you both managed to get me a little alarmed. Besides the Raiola/Devil comparison I was actually struck by this comment:
“I was telling anyone who would listen that he would be pursuaded to leave by the devil Raiola, and that the Juve ‘project’ alone would not be enough. Fell on deaf ears a lot, with some on this great place of ‘mature’ JuveFC worship being in complete denial or too naieve to the corruption of the modern football world by money.”
First thing I thought was hey is that me? Because I could easily be put on that camp (I have said Paul is 80% in 20% out of Juve, that God willing next UCL is ours, that God will and is making us justice, that Juve fans and people at this site seem way more knowledgeable, mature, and intelligent than your average soccer fan and the hordes of trolls available on the web).
Then I reflected and thought.. wait am I doing wrong maybe contributing to Juve fans actually believing (on Paul staying or Juve succeeding –and am not talking on Seria A, but actually winning in Europe-) only to be heart broken like I probably contributed to Elisa´s heartbreak during Euro? Because not one word I said did I not believe in, and I try to be as objective and realistic as possible above all for my own sake. I Actually believed (and still do) in the Italian Spirit despite the public scorn of the squad, uphill task, and contrarian odds.
Then I came back to my senses and thought… What is all the mourning about? Why all of a sudden is everyone like a Napoli fan, (because the Higuain fan reaction is actually looking like it is contagious)? Why are so many mourning and thrashing Paul already without reason? Why do so many seem ready to burn his shirt? What, just based on clickbait headlines and posts on the web? And I will go further and use Dar´s words, are we really in complete denial that Juve are strong again, and are we that naïve to the corruption of digital media world by money to so easily fall for it?
Is that how much we appreciate and thank and love Paul Pogba? To one day have him as our Messiah (and not even that since the majority happily seems to place Paulo Dybala on top? As if it was needed), and the next day holding him as a traitor, a money/fame crazed teen star without personality? I actually demand more respect to Paul from all Juve fans no matter who they are, and I won´t be counted as one who disrespects his own players after all the joy and pride they give me.
I am 100% on Paul´s #NoNonsense camp. Because I think many just don´t know the man to actually be able to trash talk about him. I have never met him, I have never even seen him play live, but one thing I know is the kid has some serious personality, and belief in himself, and I praise him all the more for it, because that is what fits Juve. Many will accuse Paul for not talking out of greed and complete absence of loyalty to Juve, and with a needy dream for reassurance that he will love Juve forever no matter what, that he would rather quit soccer than leave Juve, or that he would play for Juve even if he was not paid because that is just unrealistic and naive. Were Juve any other club (RM anyone?) Juve could just use him and then kick him out at anytime for all he cares.
So to whoever calls truly believing in Juve´s strength when dealing on the market, or in being able to lure a top class player complete denial then I am in denial, and if believing in Paul´s maturity, personality, ambition, common sense (because it would be completely stupid to leave Juve right now, and above all for Man U) is naiveté then I prefer to be naive that way than to be naive about a media supurred novella, and fall for it believing every single “Paul Pogba taking a ManU medical” clickbait headline (When he actually is in California USA).
Check that couple links:
https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2016/07/30/pogbas-agent-pumps-brakes-hard-on-imminent-manchester-united-move/?
https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/842322325?-10543:1332:0
I demand all Juve fans to be more classy about events surrounding Paul´s
Will anyone now whine that he doesn´t speak? He doesn´t need to, he is above that, (and we at Juve don´t need to (to go out and deny every rumour, because we are also above that). Because the kid is more cool headed than many, and that is what makes him cool and worthy of Juve even if he were not as talented as Dybala, when it comes to out of the field proceedings Paul is a BEAST add to that his potential infield. So I am with Paul just let them all talk and flip their brain upside down, around in circles trying to find out what he´ll do next, no matter what they say they won´t tell him what to do, he will.
And on a final note for all of those who are panicking about the prospect of him leaving. I stand my ground on all I said before including we are Juve and the badge weighs more than any single player, Pogba or no Pogba we are Juve, Higuain or no higuain we are Juve. If Paul were to leave godspeed Paul. Besides I still don´t think he is leaving, if he were to leave he would for a team that were in position to actually challenge for titles (mostly in Europe) like BAR, RMA, or FCB but we all know about that:
– BAR can´t fancy the money to get him
– MAD can´t fancy the money as much as they fool their own fans they can, add to that Florentino doesn´t like Paul that much or wants a finished product and instant success rather than betting on him and developing him. Zidane likes him but we don´t even know if Zidane will be at RM next year if he doesn’t do a trebele.
– FCB can´t fancy the money but they are so proud and love their name so much they would rather passon Paul than have a bid rejected by Juve.
– British teams fancy the money but are in no position to guarantee titles
Maybe Paul was letting ManU in to have his stock soar and get truly competing teams to bid for him, and maybe only then would even start considering leaving juve, but they all are wussing out FCB-RMA-FCb anyone? They all just talk.
So all in all I think time is on our side because if he were leaving, Juve themselves would ask Paul to do it Quickly and give us enough time to find a good replacement. Time keeps going on and nothing concrete is happening. JUVE WONT WAIT till August 30 for a deal. So the more time passes on the More nailed Paul is at Juve. Juve are playing hard ball on this one and I love it.
We got Higuain independently of Paul, because if we sell 3 players we got Higua´s half fee (40 something million this year) covered, and we figure out how to pay the other 40 next year. So If Paul satys we got Higua and Paul+Dybala, if Paul Left we have Higua+100 mill+Dybala. Heads or Tails Juve win.
THANK YOU GOD, I AM LOVING IT, JUVE IS MY TEAM I wouldn´t handle things any other way. I even have even practically forgiven the Morata Option/Repo deal fiasco.
And btw. Stop complaining about Higuain too, WE JUVE ARE NOT WHINERS, WE ARE WINNERS
Let´s be more classy about all this than mourning about a fictional primetime novella.
Brief Note: I am not taking anything personal here against anyone, it´s all just for narrative purposes. And if anyone takes this comment personal I just don´t care.
#NoNonsense
First off, don’t worry, Sebastián.. you didn’t contribute to my heartbreak at all.
Second, you’re right that we don’t know who Pogba is, we just know what he shows us. He’s not in control of newspaper headlines, he’s only slightly in control of the ad campaigns where he’s used in, and he is fully in control of his social media posts. And what he’s showing us on social media is, honestly, ALL NONSENSE.
I think he’s staying, though.. and only because of his social media posts. It would be public career suicide to make all these posts only to end up leaving after it’s all said and done. I do hope he gets a better PR team and sooooon. This type of behavior increases his wallet, not how he’s perceived by the general public. Frustrating fans of either team for a profit is kinda shitty, to be honest, and not the best way to generate talk. He’s not “not talking” because he’s cool headed… he’s “not talking” because Adidas based their whole campaign around that intrigue, around the “will he won’t he” plot. I work in advertising. There is a better way to sell the “I’m just here to work, no nonsense, no bla bla bla” narrative.
……. aaaaaaaaand I’m still not done complaining about Higuaín, so you might want to skip my future comments for at least a few months. I have to admit his press conference already worked slightly – oh so very slightly – in his favor.. so if he stops being a smug crybaby I might end up not disliking him by the end of the season.
Hi Elisa
I am glad I didn´t contribute to a EURO heartbreak for you because I would have felt rather bad if I did. on my end I think we fell standning, that we died with our boots on by sheer luck on the penalties lottery.
The next thing that comes to mind for me from your post is an essential dilemma management need to decide on. If Juve´s image is going to expand outside Italy (and bridge the branding gap with the other big 3 clubs) organically and slowly only by sporting success, or inorganically and more quickly through marketing.
At worst Paul is helping Juventus reach its inorganic brand growth objectives which A. Agnelli itself has expressed the club has drawn (I remember specifically the 90 min interview he gave not long ago).
So we as fans may agree or disagree on how much organic or inorganic Juve conquest of new markets we want, but despite what we want A.Agnelli calls the shots and inorganic growth seems part of the club policy or strategy. So I wouldn´t blame Paul as much for being the spearhead on that front, on delivering what your club actually asks from you. (That goes for all those who call him a traitor) and if he makes some money along the way isn´t he entitled to it, why can only Ronaldos and Messis make money? and not even pay taxes on it?
On the Higuain front I was not very fond of him and had serious reservations on him coming. But if Paratici and co saw fit to dress him in black and white who am i to dissent? their results speak for themselves. So even if he was not my 1st 2nd nor even 3rd choice now that he is in black and white I will root for him as much as I would for any other Juve player.
I am sorry if my words may have been a bit harsh on you, as they were meant to be bold enough for others, I mean look at that post, its a freaking requiem based on nothing. Still everyone is entitled to think or talk as he so pleases, but if only self beating posts is what i see without fear and using a TGP term out of zeal I will root for an alternative view.
And I won´t skip your comments because you are not only entitled to speak your mind as much as anyone, but also because your point of view is valuable for me, as it sure is for everyone here.
I hope and ask you apologize me if I hurted you, but I would just rather talk harsh or bold against generalized self defeating narrative than soft skittishly and even cowardly stay silent.
I am sorry if I ended up being harsh on you but I think we all Juve fans need to wake up and get back our pride, for sure other clubs would want us to stay silent and unconfident about our own camp (out of fear of us) and todays post seems just a wrong and misleading step on that direction.
No, not at all. The heartbreak came precisely from being sooooo close…. more than once I thought we had it.
I didn’t take it personally at all, I think it’s your opinion and you’re as entitled to having one as anyone else. Some are just more frustrated than others, and some are seeing this from a different perspective.
I personally don’t like how the non-Juventini people around me are interpreting all of this media circus he’s decided to surround himself with… and, like I said, there is a much better approach to the narrative where he still pockets as much cash and attention as he wants and deserves, without turning it into Kardashian-like drama.
No my phrase wasn’t directed specifically at you! I take it you think he’s not leaving….. we will see. My post (and those of everyone else) is in anticipation of what the whole football world knows is being worked on – the transfer of Pogba to UTD. It’s not official yet, sure correct. So it is all conjecture and speculation. But there is enough talk of substance floating around to know that it is very likely to happen.
True press are often trash, but some few football writers are good, and they have good sources and are briefed with updates from club and other insiders. Clearly united ARE going after Pogba, Jose has said as much in a BBC interview.
As to your point. Why should we be classy about this? That’s nonsense. Juventus and their fans have a right not to be involved in this obscene circus / freak show that we are seeing before our eyes (virtually through social media). Juve deserve better than either Pogba or The Devil have been toward them.
Now whilst being upbeat and not ‘whinging’ is a good positive stance to take, the point I feel you are missing entirely is that no matter how good Juve are, how good they have been to a player or how utterly more compelling a proposition it is to stay in Turin than leave, there always seems to be people trying their hardest to upset our applecart, stealing our players away from us for nothing more than personal financial gain. And this happens over and over again. Every year. When will it stop? At what point do Juve have enough cash, and pay enough cash to the players to hold back the tide of greed so as to enable us to build the best team possible? Do you see Real Madrid, Barca and Bayern going through this every year losing their best players? No you don’t. Like vultures, or other scavengers the predators zero in on the what they think is the weakest and make their killing.
We, Juventus are the weakest and they prey on us and our players, leaving the others alone.
Because you realise of course Seb, that it was Vidal who was taken from us last year, Pogba almost certainly this year, so who is it going to be next year? LaJoya? Maybe? Unless things change what makes you think that Barca or Real won’t be sniffing around him next year or the year after. Recent history says it’s very likely to be the case. Should we be classy about losing him too!
Why should we, like many on here I am 100% totally utterly fed up with other clubs picking at our bones (very wildlife theme to my thread here….).
In short – Regardless of whether a deal is finally agreed and completed to see Pogba leave, we have a right to be p*ssed off with this charade, and the agents of greed who go out of their way to make it happen every year.
Theres no mourning here. Just sharing of opinions based on the THOUGHT that Pogbas departure seems all but possibly done.
Youre right, no one knows Pogba personally, but actions speak volumes and all these cryptic messages and mixed signs from he and his agent is NONSENSE.
I have an obsession with the number our number ten shirt. That shirt is special and he was gifted it when he isnt even our best player ir a symbol of our club. He should act in a more humble manner and stop toyying with the two fanbases.
Maybe im wrong and this isnt his doing, but at this point i just want the deal to go through. Hes enjoying this nonsense too much. All the other players are training and focusing on the Cl while hes playing around witht the adidas campaign.
Rav my reply has vanished. Too much editing! Does it need approval or has it been zapped in the disqus editing bug?
let me check !
just checked and approved any comments pending – there were only two – one was yours…..but not the reply to this comment !
I promise you, i never delete any comments – strange that it hasn;t shown ????
No worries, thanjs for checking. I did not think you had deleted it. It was showing up on the page after several edits, and then one edit too many and it’s gone! There is definitely a bug with disqus editing. Oh well, never mind. That will teach me to spend 30 mins on a reply without taking dumping a copy into text file near the end!
I’m so sorry mate ! Thats such a shame – I think Disqus has these bugs because i’m sure someone else mentioned it before.
That’s quite a long post you made :p I agree with you. I was gonna avoid making a post about this subject, but i just wanna say i’m with you. I’ve never 100% believed Pogba would leave us and i still don’t, even though it’s still a possibility. I’ve heard multiple times Juve doesn’t need to sell Pogba to finance the Higuain transfer, so that wouldn’t be a reason to go. I just can’t imagine him leaving us for Man United, for money. He wants to be with the best of the best, we can offer him that, Man United can’t. Pogba has expressed being happy in Torino many times.
I especially loved his reply on the report of him being in Manchester for his medical. ”I’m at Universal Studios in Hollywood taking my medical”.
Also, when reading about that, i also noticed Pogba was walking around in a LeBron James jersey in Miami 😮
Fantastic reply Seb, and thank you for taking the time to post it !
I’ll be the first to admit, I can sometimes get a bit sentimental about the club and showing it respect.
I should say, it’s Pogba’s antics off the pitch, and this summer in particular that i find hard to agree with. I don’t mind that he is leaving – in fact, it would probably be better he leaves this summer if his heart is no longer at the club……BUT, it’s the poor way this transfer has been conducted. The advertising, signing Manchester united shirts, not answering questions on his future, the stupid posts on instagram, the Adidas video…….it just reflects poorly on his time at Juve and leaves a nasty taste.
If he had stayed quiet and then just announced his departure, i could have respected it more. This feels like we’re outsiders looking in – a part of some PR stunt, a bad joke. Surely we deserve better than that?
I would never thinking badly of anyone who has worn the shirt – Even if i dislike the player, once the shirt is on, they are one of mine……but we made Pogba what he is – he should be more respectful of us is my only point 😉
Always good to see a differing point of view – it helps see things from both sides and it encourages debate and seeing things from a different perspective, which is only ever a good thing !
Finally read the featured post and now I get it why so much mourning going on. This piece is a requiem on one who is officially not dead but actually alive and well. the freaking dude (Pogba as a Juventino) is thriving and enjoying life on vacation.
Lesson: Don´t swallow everything you read. Quite detailed post on numbers but nothing more, not relevant, insightul, informative or helpful at all. Thumbs down.
Inter has one of the most awful home outfits i’ve ever seen. Their regular black blue stripes with bright yellow numbers and socks. As if they’re searching for a reason for me to be even more disgusted by Inter. It wasn’t needed.
Moratti has been a dog all his life. Suddenly he felt like a lemon up his ass might produce some Sprite for his fellow dogs in Milano.
Lmao