“Mentally I wasn’t there” – Paul Pogba Says Manchester United Blocked Him From Leaving in 2019

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has said former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward blocked him from leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2019. The Frenchman, who is preparing to return to the pitch after getting his doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months, said he was not mentally there for his final three seasons at United.

Paul Pogba Was Stopped from Leaving Manchester United

Pogba enjoyed a strong start to his second spell with Manchester United, with him playing his best soccer between 2016 and 2019. The 31-year-old enjoyed his best campaign in 2018-19, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists in 47 games across competitions. After the season ended, the Frenchman admittedly asked to leave, try a new challenge. However, Man Utd did not give him the permission.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Pogba said:

“I’ll tell you something I’ve never told anyone. The year Jose [Mourinho] went and Ole came, it was my best season at United but after the last game I told Ole and Ed Woodward that I thought it was my last year and that I wanted to leave. 

“I was 27, it didn’t work out the way I wanted. I gave my best but didn’t see the club going upwards. I wanted to go but I came back for pre-season because I wanted to be professional. I spoke to Ed to make a move but he blocked it. I didn’t want to play for United anymore but I had to be professional. Mentally I wasn’t there and then I got the injuries.”

Pogba missed a lot of games due to injuries in his final three seasons at United. Between 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons, he played 62 Premier League games, scoring just thrice.

Pogba Gearing Up to Return to Action

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is one of the most talented midfielders of the 21st century. On his day, he can beat even the best defenders, play the most audacious defense-piercing passes, and score world-class goals. Unfortunately, it has been a while since Pogba has had a chance to showcase his talents.

In February, Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO) banned him for four years after he tested positive for the banned substance DHEA. He had already served a five-month before NADO’s verdict. Pogba then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and proved that he did not consume it intentionally. It saw his sentence reduced from 48 months to 18.

The central midfielder is eligible to return to training in January and can officially be back in action in March.