Paul Pogba has hit back at Graeme Souness’ criticism of him, claiming: “I didn’t even know who he was”.
Manchester United midfielder Pogba has come under intense scrutiny from the Liverpool legend in recent years.
Souness’ criticism of the World Cup winner has become something of a running joke on social media, with fans waiting to hear what the Scot has to say about Pogba following a performance.
But Pogba has finally hit back, and when asked to comment on the claims made about him, admitted he didn’t know who the three-time Champions League winner was.
“I didn’t even know who he was, really,” Pogba told the United podcast.
(Image: Sky Sports)
“I didn’t even know who he was. I heard he was a great player and stuff like that. I know the face but [not] the name.
“Like I said I’m not someone that watches a lot of [punditry], I watch a lot of football but I don’t stay after the game to listen to what they say about ‘Why they did this’ or ‘Why they did that’. I like to focus on football.”
Souness’ most recent criticism of Pogba came in a Q&A with the Sunday Times.
The Scot was asked: “Much has been made of your apparent disdain for Paul Pogba. Is this a misconception? Should you have been his team-mate, what words of advice do you feel that you would have offered him?”
(Image: Getty Images)
To which Souness replied: “Pogba has absolutely everything to be a top player – great athleticism, super technique – but his attitude to the game is the polar opposite of mine.
“He goes out with one thought in his mind: ‘I’m going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show.’
“My attitude, the way I was taught, was: ‘Go out and work harder than the guy you’re in against and see where that takes you.’ He’d be an absolute doddle to play against.”
