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The stage is set for midfielder Paul Pogba to play a crucial role in helping Juventus reach their first Champions League final since the 2002-03 season. The 22-year-old will need to be at his best to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and company at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium when they try to protect a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg.
The French international’s stock has skyrocketed in recent years to make him one of the most sought-after players in football. Clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly lining up for his signature, but only an astronomical amount of money can prise him away from the Bianconeri.
This was not always the case with the young Frenchman who was allowed to leave by Manchester United in 2012. Juventus, however, landed the midfielder on a free transfer that is proving to be an absolute coup.
Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who has witnessed Pogba turn into a world-class player can't quite comprehend United's decision to let him go.
The veteran goalkeeper called it “one of the strangest” things he’d ever seen.
The Juve custodian said: “I have been in football many years but the decision of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United to not play Pogba and let him leave is one of the strangest decisions I have ever seen.”
Pogba grew increasingly frustrated at United for the lack of first-team opportunities under Ferguson. He was also not happy with the new contract which was offered to him.
“Just after a few training sessions, we saw how good he was. It cannot have been the same player they saw in Manchester – we thought they may be needed glasses!”
“Pogba can do things only Pogba can, similar to Messi and Ronaldo. United let one of the top players in the world leave but that has been only good news for us.”
Pogba even claimed that during his time at United, he was forced to train alone and accused Ferguson of lack of respect. Things have dramatically turned around for the former Red Devil who has lifted Juventus to new heights with the Italian side just one step away from the final in Berlin.
“If any team wanted to buy him I would feel sure they would have to break the world record fee,” Buffon added.
