Allegri: ‘Didn’t try to keep Pogba…’

By Football Italia staff

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri admits he “did nothing” to try to keep Paul Pogba - “when the club told me the numbers…”

The French midfielder left the Bianconeri last summer to return to Manchester United, with the English club paying €105m plus another €5m in bonuses.

Allegri has given an interview to Sky about his career, and following his words about Leonardo Bonucci and the Champions League final, he spoke about his arrival in Turin and transfers.

“I was helping my daughter move from Milan,” Allegri recalled when asked about being appointed.

“It was at a time when I seemed to be destined for the national team. At five I got a call saying the President [Andrea Agnelli] wanted to talk to me. Then I saw a message saying [Antonio] Conte had resigned and I understood.

“I was happy, because I thought there was a lot more the team could do, particularly in Europe.

“Conte did well, but the credit goes to everyone, starting with the club, because it’s hard for a Coach to do it all himself.

“The hostile reception? The fans were rightly tied to Conte because he’s got them back to winning, I analysed the squad in a calm manner.”

Then after his first season Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal were all sold…

“Tevez and Pirlo made a choice, Vidal was a market opportunity that Juventus decided to exploit, along with me. The year after was different.

“All three years were different, the first year we just had to grow in Europe without disturbing anything.

“Then in the second year with 10 new players, the veterans didn’t recognise the dressing room, it took time to start again in a different way.

“I didn’t ask for [Gonzalo] Higuain, but I did give directions and I said it was necessary to improve.

“Pogba or Paulo Dybala? Dybala’s game is easier on the eye, but Pogba is extraordinary because he has physicality and technique.

“I did nothing to keep Pogba, also because when the club told me the numbers…”

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