Monday, 22nd October, 2012
New Juventus signing Paul Pogba has revealed that Manchester City football development executive Patrick Vieira advised him to quit Manchester United for the Bianconeri.
Pogba left Old Trafford in the summer after opting not to sign a new contract with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, with Turin his destination.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had gone on record as being hopeful that the French midfielder would pen a new deal to remain at the Red Devils.
Losing the 19-year-old was a blow for the English giants and a coup for Juventus, who benefited from Pogba’s continuing development as he hit the back of the net in the club’s 2-0 victory over Napoli on Saturday.
And the young French talent could not be happier to have landed at the Serie A champions, explaining that he is not missing Manchester United and confirming Vieira’s role in his choice of Juventus.
"I do not think about Manchester [United]", he told Sky Italia post-match.
relatedNewsStory"Today I am proud to be at Juventus and to wear this shirt.
"This summer, many clubs wanted me, but I chose Juve because it is the team which had players like [Michel] Platini, [Zinedine] Zidane and Vieira.
"Moreover, I spoke with Vieira and he advised me to come to Turin.
"I was really attracted to the project which was offered to me."
Vieira moved to Juventus from Arsenal in 2005, staying with the Bianconeri for a single season before making the switch to fellow Serie A side Inter.
Pogba will hope to follow in the former France star’s footsteps in Italy; Vieira picked up four Scudetti with the Nerazzurri.
