Paul Pogba: Criticism over form was 'not pleasant'

ByTom Adams

Updated 11/10/2016 at 06:42 GMT

Paul Pogba says it has not been “pleasant” to hear criticism of his form, but he conjured up the perfect response as France beat Netherlands on Monday night.

Pogba’s impact has been limited since his £89m record transfer from Juventus to Manchester United this summer, with just one goal in eight games after returning to Old Trafford.

But the midfielder, 23, scored a long-range effort to lead France to a 1-0 victory over Netherlands in a World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam.

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Afterwards, he discussed the scrutiny that has surrounded his recent performances.

“It's weird, it looks like we're playing for the team Pogba, but this is not the team Pogba,” he said.

“If a big game, we will not talk about individual performances. When you win it all together. And when we lose, it is also all set. I play for the team, it's always like that.

Paul Pogba scores for France

Image credit: AFP

“It's true that it's not always pleasant to hear criticism and bad things about you. But football is like that. I try to stay focused on the field.

“I have the chance to play for my country and I always give 100 per cent.

“It will always be the case. I am a player who tries things, who is trying to create. Maybe I dribble a little too much sometimes. But we grow, we learn. I'm still young, people may forget a little often.”

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