Paul Pogba has issued a response on social media, shooting down reports that he's quitting the French national side.
The Sun ran a story headlined: "Man Utd star Paul Pogba has 'quit playing for France' over President Macron's comments on 'Islamist terrorism'" - supposedly breaking the alleged news that the midfielder was stepping back from international football.
But Pogba quickly slammed the report, sharing an image of The Sun's headline via Instagram with "Unacceptable: Fake News" stamped over the top. He also expressed his anger at the reports.
"So The Sun did it again," began the caption, as he called the story "absolutely 100% unfounded news".
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Pogba added: "I am appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated some 'media' sources use me to make total fake headlines in the sensible subject of French current events and adding the French National Team to the pot. I am against any and all forms of terror and violence."
The player continued: "I am taking legal action against the publishers and spreaders of these 100% Fake News. In a quick shout out to The Sun, who normally could not care less: some of you guys probably went to school and will remember how your teacher said to always check your sources, don't write without making sure. But hey, seems you did it again and in a very serious topic this time, shame on you!"
So - as if that wasn't crystal clear enough - it's now certain that the report about the 2018 World Cup winner has no basis in fact, and that Pogba will be available for France selection for next year's European Championship and into the future.
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The original story stated incorrectly that Pogba had quit international football for political reasons. Yet the newspaper did point out that their story came via "various Middle Eastern news sources, but neither the 27-year-old, nor the French Football Association, has commented on the speculation."
Now Pogba himself has commented on it, issuing a firm denial on all aspects of the story and chastising The Sun
It will be welcome reassurance for France manager Didier Deschamps as he plans for a hectic schedule. He has a delayed Euros to contend with next year, then a World Cup that should go ahead in 2022.
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Pogba has 72 caps and 10 goals for his country, with one coming in the 4-2 World Cup final win over Croatia. The Manchester United man seems absolutely ready to add to those totals.
He may be having his issues at club level, as he's currently not an automatic first-choice selection in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. But Pogba remains a crucial member of the France team and fans reacted with joy on Twitter as they anticipated further international glory.
Image credit: PA Images
Topics: Paul Pogba, Football News, Football, Manchester United, France
