Paul Pogba was reduced to tears after picking up another brutal injury during his emotional return to Juventus on Sunday, May 14.
The French footballer lasted just 23 minutes during the match against Cremonese which Juventus won 2-0.
As he lifted a cross into the Cremonese box, he appeared to pull up before slumping to the floor. Pogba then put his head in his hands as the Juventus medical staff took to the pitch to give him treatment.
His distress grew as he broke out into tears and then walked off the pitch with his shirt pulled over his face. Teammate Angel Di Maria was spotted shaking his head before the midfielder was replaced by Arkadiusz Milik.
It was his first professional first start for club or country in 390 days since he played for Manchester United against Liverpool last April.
Pogba had suffered a serious knee injury months ago. He worked his way back to form and fitness, allowing him to start a competitive fixture for club or country after a wait of over a year.
He has made just 10 appearances for Juventus since returning from Manchester United as a free agent last summer, due to a succession of injury problems.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Juventus manager Max Allegri said;
“We are all disappointed, especially as he was doing very well. It’s sad as he made so many sacrifices to recover, now has to stop again after feeling that pain in the quadricep. Paul is a grown man, he has broad shoulders and can get over this too.
“It’s only natural there are risks after barely playing for a year and when making the first start, that is going to increase the probability of getting hurt. He was doing well, we are sad, but will wait for him.”
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