THOUSANDS of Paul Pogba fans flocked to the streets in Guinea to get a glimpse of the star during his visit to the country.
The France international was visiting the homeland of his parents in Africa as he landed in Conakry to a hero’s reception. On the first day of his visit, his words were words of encouragement for Guinea: ‘We only want peace, respect and progress. We also want Africa to be like Europe, moving forward because we also have this wealth, we have a lot of love and joy. That’s why we also want to move forward. So peace, peace, peace is needed.’
Some of the crowd held posters featuring Pogba and his mother. Others had made a long journey through Guinea’s south to have the chance to get a glimpse Paul Pogba.
‘Pela is the birth village of Paul Pogba’s father, so it is the village of Paul Pogba, it is the village of his ancestors,’ said Cécé Pela Haba, the mayor of the rural town of Pela. ‘That’s why we made this trip. The population of Pela is here with the folk groups, we are the ones who made all these people come here to receive their son. Because when your son is a global star, you can be proud of him, you have to be present, that’s why we are here. As a local authority, I am here to express my joy.’
During his stay, Pogba will feature in a charity match for Guinea and will reportedly meet government officials and sports associations. The 2018 French World cup champion is expected to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract and speculations have him returning to Italy to play with Juventus.
The midfielder is set to leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the month.
After joining the club for a fee of £89.3million from Juventus six years ago, Pogba has struggled to show the sort of form that many expected from him.
Clearly one of the most talented players on the planet, the France star could only show his quality in fits and starts, leading to his second spell in Manchester being far from smooth sailing.
As far as his future is concerned, it seems that Pogba’s next destination could be a familiar one.
Reports have suggested that Pogba will rejoin former club Juventus on a free transfer this summer.
Having spent four seasons in Turin between 2012 and 2016, the midfielder will no doubt be a popular addition with the club’s supporters.
A deal is expected to be completed at the start of July following the end of his trip to Guinea, with many hoping that Pogba can start to show the sort of quality that many know he is capable of showing.