Andrea Pirlo, the iconic Italian playmaker says that he still finds it funny that Manchester United let Paul Pogba leave for free.
Pirlo played with Paul Pogba at Juve, and the duo formed a formidable midfield with Arturo Vidal. Pirlo is referring to when Manchester United let Pogba leave for free in the summer of 2012 after a fallout between Pogba and Sir Alex Ferguson.
United seemed to know that they were letting a talented player leave and had issues with his agent as well as his salary demands, but would never have imagined he would so quickly become one of the most sought-after players in world football.
Pirlo meanwhile, reminisces on the mood at Juve after they had just brought Paul Pogba to the club.
“On the first day training session Pogba had with Juventus the players were laughing, We were not laughing for any other reason than we were just in total disbelief that this player with so much obvious ability was able to leave a club the size of Manchester United for free, and I think Juventus are still laughing. I will always remember the first day he trained at Juventus. He was only young, but we could see he was special.
“We were walking back to the dressing room after the session and I clearly remember Gianluigi Buffon coming up to me laughing and he just said: ‘Did they really let him go for free?’”
Pirlo, who now plays for New York City goes on to give his thoughts on United’s world record transfer to bring Pogba back, “I am not saying that Juventus will have wanted to let him go, they wouldn't but things have worked out pretty well for them. They signed a player of his quality for no money, he was a big part of them winning trophies in four seasons, and they then sell him for £90m. Whatever way you look at it, Juventus have got a great deal.'
The 37-year-old Italian does stress that Manchester United fans should be excited, despite the fee they’ve had to pay. “You would be buying a player who is the best in his position in the world, a player that can be the best in his position for the next 10 years. He is the best young player I have ever seen, and I don't think we are far away from calling him the best player in the world. It has been between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for many years now, but football should get ready for a new king. I think Pogba will make Manchester United a real force again.
Pirlo believes that quality players can have a major impact on the team and fans, “One player of that quality can change things. They will lift the players, the fans. You give any team Pogba and Zlatan in one window and they are going to capable of special things. He will not even think about the fee, he is only concentrating on being the best player he can be. He is not just a great player but also a great professional, and that is the dream for any coach.”
