Paul Pogba going through 'complicated time' at Manchester United, says Mino Raiola

United midfielder barely played this season due to ankle injury

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Thursday 19 March 2020 07:18 EDT
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Paul Pogba is going through “a complicated time” at Manchester United, according to his agent Mino Raiola, but wants to play again this season.

Pogba has spent much of the campaign on the sidelines with a long-term ankle injury, having undergone surgery on the problem at the start of this year.

The 26-year-old returned to training recently and was nearing a first-team return until the suspension of professional football across Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with Marca, Raiola has insisted that Pogba’s focus is helping United return to the Champions League by finishing the season strongly, whenever that may be.

But Raiola offered no guarantees on Pogba’s future beyond this summer. The midfielder has a year remaining on his contract, with United able to trigger a one-year extension.

“Paul is going through a complicated time,” Raiola said.

“But let it be clear because in England they are very sensitive: Pogba is concentrating to make a great end to the season with Manchester United.

“He wants to return to the team and make a great end to the season so that United can reach the Champions League.

“You cannot say what will happen. Today you cannot know. Now the club and the team matter and then we will see what can happen.

“There was great interest, but it was not possible. Last year it does not count anymore. We will see what happens. “

Real Madrid were hopeful of signing Pogba last summer and remain admirers of the France international, with Raiola interested in moving one of his several clients to the Bernabeu.

“I have great hope that one day he will be able to lead to Real Madrid a great footballer,” he said.

“Now I have [Alphonse] Areola, but it is a half operation because it is a loan. I want to take a definitive footballer and I will try this summer.

“It would be a pride for me and my footballers because Real Madrid is a great club.”

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