Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lavished praise on his ex-teammate Paul Pogba, after the midfielder helped France to lift its second World Cup last Sunday afternoon. The former Juventus man starred for Didier Deschamps’ side, and has been widely lauded for the calibre of his performances during this summer’s tournament in Russia. Ibrahimovic, who left Old Trafford for LA Galaxy earlier this year, suggests that Pogba’s performances have justified the significant hype that comes with being a player saddled with a £89m price tag.
“I played with him for two years and people like to give their opinion, which they have the right to do,” said Ibrahimovic in quotes carried by Sky Sports. “They judge but I think the result speaks for itself. You don’t need to answer by your mouth, you can answer by your feet, and do what you are good at. That is the way it is supposed to be and the way I like to do it.
“He is young. He won the World Cup, he was in the Champions League final (with Juventus), the Europa League final (with United), the European (Championship) final (with France) – and he won many titles at Juventus. What more is there to say? Just enjoy the games and I know he will become better.”
Ibrahimovic is certainly correct about the level to which Pogba has reached over the last few years; the Frenchman has been involved in several major finals for both club and country at 25 years of age, and has a World Cup, Europa League, Serie A and League Cup medals to show for it. United fans will be hoping that the Pogba that they saw turn out for his national side will be the one that returns to Old Trafford in several weeks time, with the player currently enjoying some well-deserved downtime.
