Romania sink error-prone Ukraine to end long drought at Euros
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Former French international Paul Pogba once expressed the harsh realities of football after facing severe criticism despite a glittering career, declaring that he 'doesn't exist anymore.'
The ex-Manchester United star, who is enduring the worst stage of his career, made the statement in an old interview that has resurfaced.
While the Frenchman hopes his four-year ban will be reduced through an appeal, an old video of the 2013 Golden Boy Award winner making a supposed controversial comment has resurfaced, creating a buzz online.
Romania sink error-prone Ukraine to end long drought at Euros
FootballThe viral video, in which Pogba admits he’s "dead" and "no longer exists," left fans bewildered. Many expressed concerns because it seemed to be a recent interview.
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However, these comments were from an interview conducted by Al Jazeera nearly two years ago, before he received his four-year ban.
In the original video, released on September 11, 2023, the 31-year-old shared his feelings about facing criticism in the cut-throat world of football, where stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and himself must constantly prove their worth.
"Football is very beautiful but it's cruel. You can do something great and the next day you're nobody."
Referring to some of the specific narratives usually hurled at him, Pogba said:
"I'm over, I'm dead. Paul Pogba doesn't exist anymore."
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FootballHowever, the 2018 World Cup winner clarified that these comments were old and taken out of context to generate clicks. He reassured his fans that he remains "alive."
“Old sarcastic comments were deceptively portrayed as authentic and recent to generate clicks,” wrote Pogba in a story posted on his Instagram account via EuroFoot.
“I’m still alive guys, don’t worry.”
While this update has reassured fans about his mental health and well-being, it remains uncertain whether the embattled French star will return to football after serving his ban.
Pogba will be 34 by the end of his suspension, making a return to the sport challenging but not impossible for the once-prominent figure.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman has reportedly found a new opportunity, as reported by Sports Brief, with Pogba set to join a movie slated for release in April next year.
The former Manchester United player will reportedly portray a youth team football coach in a French film titled 4 Zeros, with his football career seemingly over.