Paul Pogba: Manchester United midfielder rejected Real Madrid ahead of Old Trafford return

When Real Madrid want a player, there’s little anyone person or club can do to prevent the inevitable transfer to Los Blancos.

SKOPJE, MACEDONIA – AUGUST 08: Paul Pogba of Manchester United. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

However, according to Paul Pogba, he snubbed Real Madrid in favor of a return to Manchester United in the summer of 2016.

Speaking with Beyond the Pitch, the 24-year old explained why he snubbed the Kings of Europe in favor of a United side that was clearly in the midst of a rebuild.

"“To be honest, Real Madrid came to me and I was thinking to go there, and I was thinking to go to Manchester United too,” he said. “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.”"

United capturing Pogba was a huge boost for the club. Not only talent-wise, but image-wise as well. For a world-class player to choose to join the Red Devils over Real Madrid showed that United still had the allure of a massive club.

It seemed like for two seasons Real Madrid and Barcelona were the favorites to sign Paul Pogba. Manchester United’s name came up, but it never seemed to be serious.

Pogba was rumored to revile his then former club — especially Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the Frenchman has refuted those claims and defends his decision to return home.

“But I did it, and I don’t regret. I never regret my choice.”

“My heart told me to come back…”

Pogba was ready to be the focal point — to be the foundation of something great. And instead of joining a team in Real Madrid that was already great, he opted for the challenge.

"“I came back for a reason — just to put Manchester United where they belong, the place where they belong,” Pogba added. “I’m sure we can do that. I want to give my best until we arrive where Manchester wants to arrive.”"

The Frenchman was subject to a rollercoaster first season back in England. The media scrutinized his every pass, shot, and dab. They complained about his £89m transfer fee — a world record at the time.

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The dynamic midfielder tried to force himself and do too much in his debut season back. This year, however, he’s relaxed and playing his game. It has been incredible to see.

Thank Neymar for shattering that transfer fee and taking the spotlight off of Pogba. Few players can play their game with the weight of that title upon them.

Pogba was expected to bag goals, game in, game out.

He’s a central midfielder — not Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. He impacts the game in a different, but still crucial way. And his critics have had little fuel this season as Pogba has dominated each match he’s been involved in.

So far this season, he’s averaged a 7.91 player rating per WhoScored.com. That trails only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who has averaged a 7.93.

Pogba has risen above his doubters. He turned down one of the all-time great clubs that were ready to win.

He’s ready to do things his way — to win his way. And he wants to do it at the club which he grew up in.

Next: Manchester United: Paul Pogba was massive miss against Manchester City

So far he’s accomplished the goals that he set from his first season. But his eyes are definitely on future success with the club.

"“That’s what we were expecting. To go back in the Champions League and win some trophies,” said Pogba. “The main objective, the main goal, was to win the Premier League, but it didn’t happen, but we won other trophies so I’m glad.”"

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