Manchester United star Paul Pogba refuses to rule out Old Trafford transfer and says he and Jose Mourinho aren’t ‘best friends’
Real Madrid and PSG target gives wide-ranging interview with French TV about his future and relationship with boss
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PAUL POGBA has refused to rule out a Manchester United exit.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs on the £89million France midfielder, whose Old Trafford future looks in doubt after appearing to fall out with Jose Mourinho.
When asked whether he would stay at United this summer, Pogba, 25, told French TV channel Canal+: "You're never sure of anything. Contractually, it's on, yes."
Pogba's relationship with Mourinho hit rock-bottom after a fiery half-time bust-up in April's Manchester derby.
The former Juventus midfielder has struggled to hit his best form this season and temporarily lost his starting place in the team.
But he insists Mourinho's tough love has matured him - even if they are not best pals.
Pogba said: "There were times when I wasn't playing. I was on the bench. Much has been spoken about.
"People thought it was wrong but a coach and player don't have to be best friends. One is not forced to go to the restaurant together. I had some problems – it's mental.
"He put me on the bench, I answered on the pitch, I give my maximum every time. It made me grow in leadership.
"I had the armband with Mourinho, it was the first time in a club. It's important to me, it makes me grow up to be a leader in the France team."
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Mourinho took a dig at Pogba in February by praising his replacement, Scott McTominay, for his performance in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield.
The Portuguese said: "I think Scott deserves more than what he’s getting. I think maybe because he’s this kind of kid profile: a normal haircut, no tattoos, no big cars, no big watches. A humble kid, who arrived at the club when he was nine or ten."
But Pogba, known for his flamboyant haircuts and social media presence, insists his Old Trafford boss is on another level.
He said: "Like he said, he is a bit crazy. That’s why they call him the Special One. Still crazy, still the same and he wins his trophies. He is crazier than me, because he can be crazy, whereas I cannot."
Moneybags PSG are one team who could likely afford to buy Pogba, the most expensive midfielder in the world.
But the Frenchman, who was born in Paris but moved to Manchester at 16, says he has no desire to play in the capital.
He said: "Walking on the Parc des Princes? With a club, no. Honestly, it doesn't appeal to me.
"I grew up here [Paris], my father supported Marseille and so did my mum. Paris wasn't really in my daily life."