As soon as he joined "Manchester United", Paul Pogba immediately gave his first and exclusive interview to the club's television. The Frenchman spoke with journalist David Stowell about his emotional return to Manchester and how he matured as a footballer over a four-year period, wrote manutd.lt.
- Paul, welcome back to "Manchester United". How would you describe your emotions at this time?
"To be honest, I have no words. I just returned to Carrington. (United's training center). It feels like I just returned home. It was like I was on vacation, it seems like I was on vacation. I returned home, I am happy, and I see that all the same people are here. I sincerely say, it really is a great feeling."
- Perhaps this will seem like a funny question after what you just said, but why did you return to "United"? What influenced this decision?
"I think it was fate. First of all, my mom told me that I would return here. I replied to her: 'You can never know, we will see.' To me, it is also a great sigh to return to where I came from, where I grew up and where I started everything. I did not finish what I started and I think I returned here to finish everything."
- And of course you asked your mother...
"As my mother says 'Mom is always right.' She was right this time, so everything is good."
- How does it feel to be the most expensive footballer in the world? It is quite an achievement considering what you have already achieved in the past...
"As for me, the most important things are on the field. I want to play well, be one of the best, win titles, and achieve goals. That's why I came back here so I could do that, become one of the best and win titles, because I know this club has to win trophies. I am ready to work for these things and just amaze everyone." (Smiles)
- Was it a difficult summer in terms of playing in the European Championship at home, as well as the rumors linking you with different clubs?
"Yes. Was there sadness in this process? Of course, because we lost the final at home. But I will say that I am happy. It was a bad experience for a good cause, so I am happy. I returned home and it really is something unbelievable, I cannot explain it. Inside, I am very, very happy. I cannot wait for the moment when I can start everything."
- How does it feel to be Paul Pogba compared to when you were in the 18 or 19-year-old academy rooms here?
"I was younger then. Now I am taller and bigger (laughs). It's just like I said: it feels like I was on vacation and now I'm back home. Returning here was meant to be. I feel it. I always had part of United in my heart, and that's why I came back. I am happy, just happy."
- How have you changed as a footballer since the time you first played for United? What have you learned about the game, about yourself? How are you different?
"I am more experienced, I won titles with Juventus. I played against great footballers, of course, just like when I started my career at United. I returned. But this time, I didn't return from the academy. I played elsewhere and returned as a grown man. More experienced, played more matches, so I think that is the essential difference."
- What thoughts come to mind when you remember that when you played in the Under-18 team, you won the Youth Cup and moved to the first team?
"When I first arrived, I remember being at the academy. I had a training photo. I saw Warren Joyce, I always remember training with him, the changing room, the cafeteria where we ate. Everything is just like it was back then, such a feeling that you have a photo. It's something I can't explain, it's incredible. I feel happy. Honestly, I have no words, just happiness. I can't wait to start playing with the new team. I left this team and now I'm back. It's a great feeling."
- We missed you here, MUTV - we enjoyed seeing you for the first time. How has regular filming for MUTV prepared you?
"Yes, I started with MUTV. My first interview was here, at the United club. Now I'm back and I feel like I'm doing the same old interview, just taller, bigger, and older. And I just enjoy it."
- Signing a contract will start working with a very successful coach with a big personality, so how important was J. Mourinho in coming here?
"First of all, I spoke with many players who played under him at the time he coached Real. I spoke with Alvaro Morata, Raphael Varane, and they all told me that he is a suitable coach for me. He will make me improve and work harder. I feel it. I spoke with J. Mourinho several times, and he passed on energy to me, a sense of positivity. So, I thought: 'Why not?'. I am sure he will help me improve and become a better person."
- Over the past few years, your career has been like a big journey, but as a footballer, you are still very young. So, what do you hope to achieve in your career?
"First of all, I want to win the first Premier League trophy with United, because when I left the team, I didn't fight for it. Of course, also the Champions League, but personally, one of my dreams is to win the Ballon d'Or award. I hope everything will be fulfilled in time, and the first target is the Premier League."
- This move means you have rejoined Jesse Lingard, with whom you played and won the FA Youth Cup. Did you maintain relationships with other guys after leaving the club?
"We always talked and maintained relationships. I am very happy for him and what he is doing on the field. I am very proud of him because he is in great form. I know he was loaned out, came back, was loaned out again, but as always, Jesse Lingard was scoring goals. So, I am very happy for him. I also saw Sam Johnstone and Will Keane, also watched other players who have already left. We maintain relationships, and I am very happy for them."
- Fans are very happy and excited to have you back, so do you have a message for them?
"I am back and cannot wait to make them happy, show them that I am still Paul Pogba, but do it in a different way and prove that I came here not to joke, but to make them happy and remind them that we can win the Premier League. That's why I'm here."
manutd.lt
