Manchester United's Paul Pogba: It'd be a 'pleasure' to play alongside Neymar

The midfielder, currently on duty with France for the international break, also admitted he looks to players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric to improve his own game

Paul Pogba and Neymar together at the 2015 Ballon 'Or gala (Getty)

Manchester United Paul Pogba has said it would be a “pleasure” to “one day” play alongside Neymar.

The midfielder, currently on duty with France for the international break, also admitted he looks to players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric to improve his own game.

The Frenchman’s form has fallen under scrutiny in recent weeks as speculation continues to persist of a breakdown between the player and manager Jose Mourinho. Earlier this week France’s head coach Didier Deschamps said: “It’s a situation he won’t be enjoying.”

But speaking to Argentinian television channel TyC Sports this week, Pogba was in high spirits as he praised Brazil’s Neymar and expressed a desire to play alongside him in the future.

“Yes, Neymar. I like him,” he said. “He has the definition of happiness on the pitch.

“In Brazil football is everything, it’s life in Brazil. Everyone plays football. I love to see him on the pitch playing, with his technique and his ability. It’s a different style.

“When you say the word Neymar around the world, everyone knows who he is and what he does. Therefore if I could play with him one day it would be a pleasure.”

Pogba also revealed those players he looked up to as a youngster as well as the current stars in the game he admires.

“When I was smaller I always looked up to Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. I had videos of Maradona, Pele, Chris Waddle, Kaka – many players. I wanted to have all the virtues of those players.

“Now I look more at players like Andres Iniesta, Yaya Toure, Kevin De Bruyne and Luke Modric – who is a very strong midfielder player. I look at them to try to be better.”