Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has likened his turbulent relationship with ex-manager Jose Mourinho to that of a “boyfriend and girlfriend” due to their frequent disputes.
Pogba made headlines in 2016 when he rejoined Manchester United for a then-world-record fee of £89 million ($116m), becoming the most expensive player in football history. Mourinho, who had just been appointed as United’s manager, was instrumental in bringing Pogba back to the club, hoping to strengthen the team’s midfield with the high-profile signing.
Despite a promising start to his second spell at United, which included winning the Community Shield, League Cup, and Europa League in his first season, Pogba’s time at the club was marked by a strained relationship with the fiery Portuguese manager. The two often clashed, with tensions eventually boiling over during Mourinho’s tenure.
Speaking to media outlets, Pogba opened up about his rocky relationship with Mourinho, saying: “Our relationship was like boyfriend and girlfriend—we were constantly breaking up and making up. It began well; he was one of the main reasons I returned to Manchester because he convinced me to come back.”
Pogba continued, “I don’t know why things turned sour, turning into a nightmare and leading to conflicts. I wasn’t the one starting the fights—we simply had disagreements like any manager and player might. Despite everything, I have a lot of respect for him. If I were to see him tomorrow, it would be with a big hug. But one day, we’ll need to sit down and talk it through.”
Since his return to Juventus in 2022, Pogba has moved forward with his career. He recently succeeded in reducing a four-year doping ban to 18 months through an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Reflecting on his journey, Pogba has chosen to address his past, offering deeper insights into the complexities of his relationship with Mourinho.
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