Paul Pogba (Part3)

Paul Pogba took on the temporary captaincy of Manchester United in the absence of Antonio Valencia. Initially, he performed well, scoring four goals in the opening weeks as the team's designated penalty taker. However, following a string of disappointing results, manager José Mourinho announced that Pogba would no longer captain the team.Tensions between Pogba and Mourinho came to a head in late September when they were filmed having a confrontation during a training session. Despite Mourinho's attempts to downplay the incident, their strained relationship continued to affect the team's dynamics. Nevertheless, Pogba remained in the starting lineup and contributed with goals, including one in United's victory over Everton.


Pogba assisted Marcus Rashford's winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur and continued to shine with consecutive goals in matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley. He further showcased his talent by scoring a brace in a 3–0 victory over Fulham and continued to contribute with goals and assists in subsequent matches.Despite Manchester United's struggles towards the end of the season, Pogba enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year, highlighting his impact despite his inconsistent form and the team's overall performance.


On 11 July 2022, Juventus announced Paul Pogba's return to the club on a four-year contract. However, his homecoming was marred by injury as he suffered a meniscus injury in his knee on 26 July, sidelining him for two months. Eventually, he underwent surgery, ruling him out until after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.Pogba made his first appearance of the season and his second debut for Juventus as a substitute in a 4–2 win over Torino on 28 February 2023. However, his return was short-lived as he was dropped from the squad by manager Massimiliano Allegri for a Europa League match against Freiburg due to disciplinary reasons.


Pogba had turned up late to a team dinner, leading to his exclusion from the squad.
Just days later, Pogba suffered a muscle injury in training, further delaying his return to regular action. Despite his efforts to regain fitness, he faced another setback on 14 May 2023, when he had to be substituted off after only 23 minutes in a league match against Cremonese due to a muscle injury. Medical examinations revealed a lesion in his left thigh, ruling him out for the remainder of the season, during which he played only 161 minutes.
The troubles continued for Pogba when, on 11 September 2023, he was provisionally suspended from playing due to a suspected drugs test fail. Non-endogenous testosterone metabolites were found in his test results following a match against Udinese on 20 August. The failed drugs test was confirmed on 6 October 2023, leading to a four-year ban for doping from the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal on 29 February 2024. Pogba has the option to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.


Paul Pogba's international career at the youth level showcases his talent and leadership abilities. He began his journey with the French national teams at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2010, where he scored both of his goals for the team. Notably, he scored the only goal in France's victory over Portugal in the group stage and netted another goal in the semi-final match against England.Following the departure of the team's coach, Pogba was reinstated as captain by new coach Pierre Mankowski. Under Mankowski's guidance, Pogba continued to excel, making his under-18 debut and scoring his first goal against Germany from over 30 meters out.


As he progressed through the youth ranks, Pogba made significant contributions to the under-19 team. He made his debut against Italy, assisting on two goals in a victory, and scored his first goal against Spain. His performances helped France qualify for the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where he scored crucial goals, including a penalty in a semi-final match against Spain.Pogba's success at the under-19 level also earned him a spot in the under-20 team for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was named captain by coach Mankowski and played a pivotal role in France's historic victory, leading them to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title. Pogba's exceptional performances throughout the tournament earned him the recognition as the best player of the competition.


Paul Pogba versatility on the field is widely recognized, as he is capable of playing in various positions and roles within the midfield. Primarily known as a central midfielder, he has also demonstrated proficiency on the left flank, in holding and deep-lying playmaker roles, as a box-to-box midfielder, and even as an attacking midfielder.Described by Manchester United as a powerful, skilful, and creative player with an eye for goal and a penchant for the spectacular, Pogba's playing style is characterized by his athleticism, strength, and technical ability. He possesses excellent stamina, aerial prowess, and striking ability from distance, as well as finesse, flair, and dribbling skills. Pogba's long legs and explosive playing style earned him the nickname Pogboom, reflecting his energetic presence on the pitch.


During his time with Juventus, Pogba evolved into a more advanced and creative midfield role, where he served as the team's main playmaker due to his vision and passing range. This transformation elevated him to one of the best and most complete midfielders in the world.
His former teammate Gianluigi Buffon compared him to French playmaking legends Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, praising Pogba's talent, leadership, work-rate, and attitude both on and off the pitch. Buffon highlighted Pogba's exceptional control of the ball and ability to swiftly transition play from defense to attack.


The events surrounding Paul Pogba and the alleged extortion plot in August 2022 were indeed concerning. It was reported that Pogba was targeted by an extortion scheme involving his brother Mathias, childhood friends, and individuals claiming to be witchcraft doctors, also known as Marabouts.Pogba revealed to French authorities that he had been physically confronted by childhood friends and gunmen who demanded 13 million from him for past services, including consultations with witchcraft doctors. He disclosed feeling trapped and harassed, even contemplating quitting football due to the situation.


These events led to investigations being launched both in France and Italy to probe the extortion attempts. Pogba's brother, Mathias, was implicated in the case.The seriousness of the allegations and the impact they had on Pogba's well-being and career underscored the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and accountability for those involved.

References

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