Patrice Evra has revealed that Liverpool legend Graeme Souness doesn't actually harbor any resentment towards Paul Pogba, despite his frequent criticisms of the Frenchman during his time as a Sky Sports pundit.
Throughout Pogba's second spell at Manchester United, Souness was often seen criticizing the midfielder on television, to the point where it became a running joke on social media platforms.
However, according to Evra, who shared the pitch with Pogba at both United and Juventus, Souness doesn't hold any grudges against the World Cup winner. "I had a good talk with Graeme Souness about Paul Pogba, and I asked him why he hated Pogba, but he told me that he didn't," the former left back explained on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet.
"He found Pogba more frustrating, especially with his talent and quality. And that's what I say to Paul. 'Stop thinking people hate you. It's because you frustrate them. You are an animal. When you run box to box, nobody can stop you'."
Pogba's Career Path and Frustration
Pogba started his senior career at Old Trafford, but moved to Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 after struggling to secure a place in the first team. During his time in Italy, he won four consecutive Serie A titles and caught the eye of some of Europe's top clubs.
In 2016, United managed to secure his return, signing him for a then-world record fee. However, his second stint in Manchester was largely disappointing. Despite moments of sheer class, consistency eluded him, drawing the ire of critics like Souness.
After an inconsistent spell, Pogba returned to Juventus in 2022 on a free transfer, marking his second exit from United. His record stands at 233 appearances and 39 goals for the Red Devils.
However, his comeback to Italy has been fraught with setbacks. Plagued by injuries, Pogba only managed 10 appearances in his first season back at Juventus. To add to his woes, he faced a four-year ban after failing a doping test in his second season.
Evra's Mentorship and Pogba's Controversial Return
Evra, who played alongside Pogba at United before both moved to Juventus, spoke about their relationship. Evra took on a mentor role for Pogba, guiding him with tough love.
"It's not about being a big fan of Paul Pogba, it's about being his big brother. It's about protecting him. I was harsh with him when I joined Juventus," he revealed.
"One day, he said to the press, 'I deserve to win the Ballon d'Or .' I was like, 'Wait a minute, did you ever hear [Frank] Lampard saying that, did you ever hear [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi or whatever? ' And, I'm like, 'Calm down, you're not ready for that.'
"With Paul, you see him like that, but inside, he's not that strong and he's protecting himself, and that's why I tried to protect Paul, because sometimes it [the criticism of him] was unfair. People were talking more about his hairstyle or his dancing than judging him on the pitch. Even sometimes he wasn't playing, they were saying, 'United lost because of Paul Pogba'."
However, it's understood that Pogba doesn't see eye to eye with Evra on many accounts, including the assertion regarding the Ballon d'Or, as discussed during his time on The Overlap.
The Real Reason Behind Pogba's Return to Manchester United
Evra further revealed his belief that Pogba's return to Manchester United was motivated by a desire to humiliate former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who had allowed Pogba to leave the club on a free transfer in 2012.
"I told Paul to not go back because he wanted Real Madrid and Madrid wanted him, but Florentino Pérez didn’t want to pay the money. His agent called United, and he signed with him without telling me. The club was happy because they were selling shirts, you know the kids love Pogba – it was more commercial than anything on the pitch."
A Complex and Controversial Figure
Paul Pogba's career has been a rollercoaster ride of talent, inconsistency, and controversy. While his on-field abilities have never been in doubt, his off-field antics and perceived lack of commitment have often overshadowed his impressive achievements.
Evra's insights into Souness's criticisms and Pogba's return to United offer a unique perspective on the Frenchman's career, highlighting the complex dynamics that have shaped his journey in the world of football. Despite the frustration and criticism he has faced, Pogba remains a player of immense talent with the potential to achieve great things. Whether he can overcome his past setbacks and live up to his full potential remains to be seen.
The Pogba Enigma: A Player of Two Halves
The tale of Paul Pogba is a captivating one, a blend of exhilarating brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. He possesses the raw talent and technical prowess that has set him apart as one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation. Yet, questions persist about his commitment, his ability to consistently perform at the highest level, and his impact on the teams he plays for.
While critics like Graeme Souness might have harbored frustration rather than hatred for Pogba's shortcomings, the truth is that his career is a puzzle yet to be fully solved. Will he ever be able to harness his potential and consistently deliver on the promises he has shown in glimpses? Only time will tell if he can become the player he was destined to be, or if he will remain a frustrating enigma, a player of two halves.
