5 unknown facts about Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba has the world at his feetOne of the rising stars in the world of football, alright, he isn't a rising star anymore but is set to become one of the greatest players in the history of football. There has been a lot put on the shoulders of the 22-year-old Paul Pogba and for all the limelight on him, he has done everything that has been expected from the French midfielder.He is one of the best in the world and rumours are set that Pep Guardiola is set to make him one of his first signings when he does sign up for Manchester City. Such was his stock fairly early in his career that Manchester United were upset at losing him to Juventus on a free transfer and that is now coming back to haunt them.Strength, ability, movement, control and an eye for some rather amazing goals, Paul Pogba is the player who could take the next step becoming world class, possibly to the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.While we all know his performances for Juventus, here are five facts you might not have known about the French midfielder:

#5 The nicknames

The power in his shot has led to the name of Pogboom

We all remember Paul the octopus from the 2010 World Cup and how he got so many decisions right. Well, we now have the next octopus, Paul Pogba has picked up the moniker of 'Il Polpo Paul' which literally translates into 'Paul the Octopus'.

The name wasn't given for his ability to see into the future but for his lanky frame and the length of his legs which aids him in controlling the ball rather easily, it almost seems like he has an extra pair of legs, such is his ability to retain possession. His goal scoring hasn't gone unnoticed also, he is called as 'Pogboom' thanks to his long range efforts.

We all know and love him as Pogba but Pogboom does have a better ring to it.

#4 Twin brothers

Pogba comes from a family of sportspeople, the youngest of three siblings, his elder brothers Florentin and Mathias are also footballers and they are twins to boot!

Pogba might be the youngest amongst the trio but he does have the greatest talent and that shows thanks to his exploits with Juventus and the French national side. Florentin though plays in the French Ligue 1 with Saint-Ettiene while Mathias has had more luck on the other side of the pond.

Mathias has played for Wrexham, Crawley Town and now plays for Scottish Premiership side Patrick Thistle. Paul represents France while his twin brothers represent Guinea, another interesting nugget of information between the brothers.

#3 Physio at 16

Ask any professional and they would probably say that hard work was more important than skill in the world of sport. Dedication is just what Paul brings into his lifestyle when it comes to football.

According to various reports, Paul was so fixated on becoming the best and ensuring that his body does not suffer from breakdowns, he had hired a personal physiotherapist - who would treat him after every game and also during midseason and preseason.

He also hired a dietician to ensure that he was getting the right nutrition, all this when he was just 16-years-old! This sort of regimen is usually reserved for older players who want to keep their body in tip-top condition but Paul seems to have taken all this to another level.

It seems to be working for the player who was once thought to be a little fragile for football. Pogba does have incredible stamina and work ethic plus he hasn't been injured for a lengthy spell of time, something he would like to maintain for the rest of his career.

#2 The Golden Boy

The 2014 World Cup was the time to shine for Paul Pogba while a lot wasn't expected from the French team, they made it out of their group unscathed but lost out to Germany in the knockout round.

Pogba though was instrumental in the Group stages for the French team. He scored a goal and provided an assist to help the French team progress and was even named as the tournament's Best Young Player.

That was a continuation of Pogba's incredible performances for the national team. He had lifted the U20 FIFA World Cup in 2013 and was given the Golden Ball, which is reserved for the best player in the tournament.

In the same year, Pogba also won the Golden Boy award, which is presented to the best player under the age of 21. Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Mario Gotze are just some of the recipients of this award.

Oh and he was also named in the Serie A Team of the Year for 2013-14 and 2014-15, and was part of the UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2015, not bad for a 22-year-old.

#1 His love for Manchester United

While Manchester United fought Le Havre for the signing of a young Pogba, the French midfielder was not best pleased with his development at Old Trafford.

He wanted to play in the senior squad as a regular but United and Sir Alex Ferguson were not going to grant him that during that time. Pogba only made seven first team appearances for Manchester United between 2010 and 2012, all of them as substitutes.

He left United on a free transfer to join Juventus and the rest we know is history. Paul Pogba is one player who slipped away from Manchester United but he did speak about his time at the club.

Speaking to L’Equipe Pogba had this to say: “I’m impatient. It was the feeling that I had with [Ferguson]. The coach had faith in me, but didn’t put me on. He said that I was too young. He said: ‘Your time will come.’ It didn’t come. But it doesn’t mean I will speak ill of Manchester United. I love the club. The players and employees know I didn’t lack respect.”

Edited by Staff Editor