City made a mistake not signing amazing former United star Pogba when they had the chance, says Vieira

City made a mistake not signing amazing former United star Pogba when they had the chance, says Vieira

Manchester City made 'a mistake' not signing Paul Pogba for free when they had the chance.
Those are the words of their elite development manager Patrick Vieira as he watches his employers join a number of clubs interested in signing the Juventus and France star, whose future at the Italian club is still undecided.
Pogba left Manchester United on a Bosman free transfer under acrimonious circumstances in the summer of 2012, a move which prompted former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to claim the player has 'no respect'.

How it could have been: Paul Pogba (left) mocked up in a Manchester City kit; City's elite development manager Patrick Vieira (right) says his team made a mistake in not signing the French star when they had the chance

Acrimonious: Sir Alex Ferguson said Pogba had 'no respect' for Manchester United after he left on a Bosman

Paul Pogba's league stats over the last three seasons. 

'I saw him play for Manchester United and to not have signed him when he left that club was a mistake because he is an extraordinary player.
'Many tell me that [he plays like I do]. I think he is more attacking than me and perhaps more technically skilled. He's amazing.'
There is talk of Pogba, 20, leaving Turin for pastures new, with the club originally saying they were willing to listen to big-money offers for the midfielder, although he has since said he's happy to stay in Italy.
United, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain, as well as City, are all thought to be interested in the midfielder.

Extraordinary: Pogba has four goals this season, including a brilliant volley in the 3-0 win over Napoli

Star in the making: Pogba has become a key part of the Juventus and French squads

Pogba was one of United's brightest young stars before he forced a move out of Old Trafford.
He was viewed as a regular starter in the future, but was evidently unhappy with his lack of playing time in his final season.
That prompted Ferguson to tell MUTV in 2012: 'Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we're aware.
'(It) is disappointing. I don't think he showed us any respect at all, to be honest.'
He added: 'I'm quite happy that if they carry on that way, they're probably better doing it away from us.'

Branded: Sir Alex Ferguson was not pleased with the manner Pogba left Old Trafford

The 20-year-old star helped the Old Lady to the Serie A title last year and is a key part of the side currently sitting second in the league.
He has four goals for the Italians last season, including a stunning volley in the Juventus' last game, a 3-0 rout of fellow title challengers Napoli. 
He was also a part of France's embarrassing play-off first leg defeat to Ukraine, scoring a five out of 10 in L'Equipe's notoriously harsh ratings.

Share or comment on this article