Paul Pogba has been warned by 1987 Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit not to repeat the mistakes of another recent Manchester United big money summer buy- Memphis Depay.
Gullit believes that Pogba, owner of the richest footballer contract in the entire world might be too distracted by extra-curricular activities, like his emojis, social media endeavors, dabbing, celebration dances, feuding with the media and new hair styles, to be his best on the pitch. It’s a bit reminiscent of Depay, who was just sold off to Lyon last week.
“He may be the most expensive player in the world, but that does not count if he is spending more time on his dress style, the colours in his hair and his social media,” Gullit said of Pogba.
“Paul should ask Memphis — and he will realise that being successful and reaching the top level in England is only possible if you perform every week and if you dedicate everything to your career.
“Memphis was heavily criticised because he found it more important to pimp his image than improve his football. He should have known that stuff on the pitch goes before anything.”
“Pogba will also get the wrath of the fans. People will start to moan and have a go at him. Even for the biggest football stars in the world there is a big rule: Playing well for your club comes first, don’t let all the other stuff catch the limelight. That is my advice.”
For what it’s worth, Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho dismissed the idea that Depay was being jettisoned for any concern over his work/life balance.
There were reports that United didn’t care for how Depay handled his moving up in league, pay grade and fame. Many media members claimed Memphis Depay liked the external trappings of being a United player more than putting in the work. Depay being photographed in outlandish clothing and the media mocking his attire eventually led to the player cutting off access for the journalists.
Mourinho made it clear that there were no issues over professionalism with Depay.
History will determine who is right and wrong, as well as whether or not Pogba follows the path of Depay. Regardless of how it plays out, these are strong words from Ruud Gullit.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, Bold and the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, appears regularly as a guest on CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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