Transfer Centre

Paul Pogba confirms he rejected Real Madrid

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 December 2017

Paul Pogba reveals that he turned down the chance to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2016 in order to seal a return to Manchester United.

Paul Pogba has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2016 in order to seal a return to Manchester United.

Pogba left United to join Juventus in 2012 after becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Jose Mourinho brought the Frenchman back to Old Trafford ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, however, and the 24-year-old helped United win a League Cup and Europa League double last term.

The £89m midfielder has said that Madrid were interested in his services when it became clear that he would be leaving Juventus, but 'his heart told him to re-join United'.

"My heart told me to come back. To be honest, I'm being honest with you, Real Madrid came to me and I was thinking to go there, and I was thinking to go to Manchester United too," Pogba told Beyond the Pitch.

"But I always felt it in my heart - my heart told me to come back here. I don't know why, I didn't know what was going to happen, but I did it, and I don't regret. I never regret my choice."

Pogba is currently unavailable for United as he serves a three-game suspension.