Paul Pogba claimed he once walked out of contract talks with Manchester United after his then-agent Mino Raiola told him he “wouldn’t let his dog sign” the terms on offer.
The midfielder joined Man Utd as a 16-year-old and spent three years in the youth system. However limited first-team opportunities persuaded the French star to join Italian giants Juventus in 2012.
It was in Italy where Pogba made his name - he helped Juve to four consecutive Serie A titles as well as a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.
During his first spell at Juventus, the French international picked up several individual honours too, including the Golden Ball award in 2013.
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Speaking at this year's Golden Ball awards, nine years after his own triumph, Pogba recalled a moment with his late-agent Raiola during contract negotiations with Man Utd.
‘Wouldn’t let my dog sign this contract’
The Juventus midfielder recalled: “When I was young, in Manchester, Ferguson wanted me to sign a renewal.
“When Mino arrived, he looked at the contract and said, ‘I wouldn’t let my dog sign this contract. Paul, get up and let’s go.”
Upon leaving Man Utd Pogba starred as the Old Lady made their way to the 2015 Champions League Final, their first in 12 years.
The following summer he re-signed for the Red Devils for a then record-breaking £89 million.
However, after an inconsistent six years with the Premier League heavyweights, he severed ties with Man Utd and once again, signed for Juventus on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old has been sidelined with a knee operation and is yet to make an appearance for Juve this term.
He will miss this month’s World Cup, and return to the Bianconeri squad in January.
Pimenta’s impact
Pogba also discussed his agent Rafaela Pimenta’s impact on his career, before presenting her with the Best Agent award.
The France international said: “For me, it was a dream to win [the Golden Ball], I want to keep winning. How do I feel? Better, let’s say good. Rafaela Pimenta is my second mother, she has helped me so much in my career.
“She made me understand so many things not only in the world of football. She is a very important person for me and for my family.”
Topics: Paul Pogba, Mino Raiola, Manchester United, Juventus, Sir Alex Ferguson, Football
Chris Byfield