The future of Paul Pogba, then just emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders, was indeed the subject of much speculation. In this snapshot of the situation:
Andrea Pirlo, his experienced Juventus teammate, recognized Pogba’s immense potential, calling him a future “great champion” and stressing that Turin was the best place for his growth.
Juventus, represented by sporting director Giuseppe Marotta, made it clear they had no intention of letting Pogba go, hoping to secure a contract extension amid growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
This mix of praise, caution, and club strategy encapsulates why Pogba’s career decisions were so closely followed at the time—balancing potential, pressure, and powerful suitors.