Former Juventus and Roma defender Medhi Benatia revealed that Paul Pogba told him in 2018 that he planned to return to Juventus one day. Benatia was speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by Calciomercato) ahead of tonight’s match at the Olimpico that sees the Giallorossi host Juve, and discussed Pogba’s return to Turin, Paulo Dybala’s departure from the Bianconeri and why Benatia still has affection for coach Max Allegri:
“Pogba? If he is fit, he can be decisive. I’m sorry he had a difficult year, but I’m not surprised to see him back in the Bianconeri because when he was in Manchester with United, he told me (in 2018) that he wanted to come back to Juve. As soon as he is back to his best, he will take the team to the top.
“Dybala? Everyone at Juve loved him, I’m sorry he left. I don’t know what broke between him and the Juve management, but he was sure he would become an idol for the Roma fans; the way he lives football, it’s the perfect place for him.
“Allegri? I’ve always respected him, even if he wasn’t correct with me and made mistakes. Just ask Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci…. But I love him all the same because he’s a good man.
“Roma? I’m reminded of the atmosphere in the capital and the enthusiasm of the environment. When I scored and went under the Curva Sud I had the shivers….”
