Juventus Manager Massimiliano Allegri revealed today that he “did nothing” to try and stop midfielder Paul Pogba from leaving last summer once the bid amount came in. To be honest, what could he have really done? Money certainly talks and when you’re conversing about £89.3 million, a world record shattering amount, how much discourse can be truly be done?
Also, what would that discourse actually accomplish in the way of preventing #Pogback? Manchester United were determined to bring the Frenchman back to the club that he once played for, no matter the cost.
“I did nothing to keep Pogba, also because when the club told me the numbers…” Allegri said in an interview with Sky Sports (quote via Daily Mirror) Before last summer’s mega-deal, United had broken the British transfer fee record 12 times, but never surpassed the global benchmark.
In addition to Pogba, Allegri has seen others stars, including Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, leave the club. There’s been reports that Alex Sandro could be next, heading to Chelsea. The Serie A power has had to retool and reload every time a star player moves on and Max Allegri articulated what that process entails.
“Tevez and Pirlo made a choice, Vidal was a market opportunity that Juventus decided to exploit, along with me. The year after was different,” he said.
“All three years were different, the first year we just had to grow in Europe without disturbing anything.”
The amount paid for Pogba was no doubt extraordinary and eye-popping, partially due to the elite performance of his agent, Mino Raiola. While Pogba is very talented, he really struggled at first in his transition back to Old Trafford. Year one of his Red Devils return was disappointing, but he definitely finished strong, which is a sign of promise for next season.
Allegri praised the gifts and talents of Pogba while making a comparison between the world’s most expensive player and Paulo Dybala.
“Pogba or Paulo Dybala? Dybala’s game is easier on the eye, but Pogba is extraordinary because he has physicality and technique.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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