Paul Pogba hits back at his critics with fiery defence of his form: 'Nobody can tell me how to play'

Since signing for United in the summer of 2016, for a then record fee of £89m, the Frenchman has struggled to live up to expectations

Tuesday 05 June 2018 13:46 BST
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Paul Pogba has a point to prove at this summer's World Cup
Paul Pogba has a point to prove at this summer's World Cup

France and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has hit back at his critics ahead of this month’s World Cup.

Since signing for United in the summer of 2016, for a then record fee of £89m, the Frenchman has struggled to live up to expectations.

Pogba has flashed with occasional brilliance, as seen in his side’s stunning comeback against rivals City at the Etihad, but his inconsistency has raised concerns at Old Trafford.

His lack of form has similarly frustrated France’s supporters, who were heard booing the player when he was substituted against Italy last Friday night.

But Pogba, who will be looking to reinvigorate his career in Russia, has launched an impassioned defence of his form while insisting that “nobody can tell me how to play”.

When asked about his relaxed style of play, the 25-year-old told France Football: “I’ve always been like that. When I’ve won, I’ve won being like that. That’s my style of play.

“You’re not going to criticise a [Lionel] Messi when he walks on the pitch. He puts three goals in and you will say ‘ah but he is walking on the pitch?’ No.

“You cannot tell me how to play. Nobody can tell me how to play. If I’m here today, it’s like I am. Nobody told me how to be. It’s my football, that’s all. Whether people like it or not.

“Do I need this to be loved? Do I need people to judge me differently? Or do they talk better about me?”

The former Juventus man added that he pays no attention to the thoughts of his critics.

He said: “I do not live for people, for what they think, for them to say that I’m nice, good, the best, perfect. Everyone has their opinion. And I respect that. I play football, I do what I like. My relatives support me. They are more important.”

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