Paul Pogba: 'I don't have to be best friends' with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 21/05/2018 at 09:21 GMT
Paul Pogba has addressed his relationship with Jose Mourinho by saying he 'doesn't have to be best friends' with his manager at Manchester United.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, left, wants midfielder Paul Pogba to be more consistent (John Walton/PA Images)
Image credit: PA Sport
The 25-year-old midfielder spoke to Canal+ after United's dismal FA Cup final loss to Chelsea on Saturday.
Pogba dismissed the rumours of a falling out with boss Mourinho by admitting the manager's methods have helped him develop as a footballer.
"There were times when I wasn't playing. I was on the bench. Much has been spoken about.
People thought it was wrong but a coach and player don't have to be best friends.
"One is not forced to go to the restaurant together. I had some problems – it's mental. He put me on the bench, I answered on the pitch, I give my maximum every time. It made me grow in leadership.
"I had the armband with Mourinho, it was the first time in a club. It's important to me, it makes me grow up to be as a leader in the France team.”
However, the £89 million man refused to rule out a Manchester United summer exit after he was asked if he would remain at the club.
"You're never sure of anything. Contractually, it's on, yes."
The French international distanced himself from the rumours of a return to his hometown of Paris to join footballing superstars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
"Walking on the Parc des Princes? With a club, no for sure.
"Honestly, it doesn't appeal to me. I grew up here, my father supported Marseille and so did my mum. Paris wasn't really in my daily life."
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement