Pogba responds to Souness criticism, unaware of his identity
Paul Pogba has delivered a cutting response to years of criticism from Graeme Souness by revealing he was completely unaware of the former Liverpool midfielder’s identity, reports BritPanorama.
The 33-year-old Frenchman made the admission during an appearance on “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” where he addressed the relentless scrutiny he faced from the Sky Sports pundit throughout his time at Manchester United. “I didn’t know who he was. I heard he’s a legend,” Pogba stated.
Ferdinand reminded his guest of the constant attacks, telling him, “You was the most talked about guy on the planet around that time, I’m telling you. Graeme Souness was coming at you.” He also referenced a standout performance against Leeds on the opening day of the 2021-22 campaign, when Pogba registered four assists in United’s comprehensive victory. “You had four assists in one game and it was your fault,” the former defender noted sarcastically, further highlighting the absurdity of the criticism.
Even that exceptional display failed to satisfy Souness, who was 72 at the time. The pundit responded to Pogba’s contribution by stating, “We expect that from a £100million man.” Manchester United had paid a then-world record £89m to bring Pogba back from Juventus in 2016, yet the midfielder’s record at Old Trafford was substantial despite persistent criticism. Across two separate stints with the club, he made 233 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 51 assists.
His trophy cabinet during those years included a Europa League triumph and a Carabao Cup success. Currently, Pogba finds himself at Monaco as he attempts to resurrect his career following a doping suspension. The midfielder was visibly emotional when completing his transfer to the Ligue 1 outfit, breaking down in tears upon securing the move, although his time at the Stade Louis II has been plagued by fitness problems, restricting him to just four appearances since arriving.
These struggles represent a stark contrast to his earlier career, marked by notable successes and a record-breaking transfer fee. As he aims for a comeback, the prospect of rejoining the France squad for the World Cup appears increasingly unlikely, leaving many to wonder about what could have been for a player once considered among the elite in football.
In a sport where talent often collides with harsh judgment, Pogba’s journey serves as a reminder of how even the brightest stars can find themselves embroiled in relentless scrutiny, leaving fans to reflect on the complexity of performance and perception.
