Here’s How Cristiano Ronaldo Helped United Sign Paul Pogba
REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
Cristiano Ronaldo blocked Paul Pogba’s move to Real Madrid, according to latest reports from Spanish media.
Pogba had made waves with some splendid performances at Juventus, and Real were among the club’s reportedly vying for his signature.
The La Liga giants even appeared frontrunners to sign the Frenchman last summer. But Mourinho’s Manchester United quickly signed the midfielder for a record £89million. This was four years after the Red Devils allowed him to leave for free.
Spanish outlet Diaro Gol now claim that Portuguese star Ronaldo had discouraged Real from pursuing him. This was reportedly so that the star forward could remain the biggest name at the club.
Reuters / Carl Recine
Earlier reports from Spain also suggested that the Portuguese skipper also vetoed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng. Don Balon had reported then that Ronaldo always wanted to remain the club’s talisman.
Pogba himself had said that his moving to Old Trafford was a personal choice last month. “I came to Manchester United because I have certain goals. It is a big challenge for me,” he said.
The 23-year old said he had turned down moves to Barca and Real for United.”I could also have joined RealMadrid or Barcelona, who were interested in signing me. But I chose to return to United because I followed my heart.”
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Pogba also said that he came to England to win trophies and that his record transfer fee was not on his mind.
“I want to win trophies with Manchester United, I never won anything here. I always told myself that I would one day return to United. It is a club I love a lot and I had unfinished business here. I left because I wanted to play more, but I felt that I was not done here yet.
“I am not even thinking about the transfer fee. I came here to play football.”