Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba could regret his decision to join Manchester United if Juventus go on to lift the Champions League this season, according to his former team-mate Andrea Barzagli.
The France midfielder left the Italian champions to return to Old Trafford for a world-record £89million fee last summer and has struggled to live up to expectations.
Meanwhile, Juventus are targeting a treble of trophies before the end of the season – they lead Roma by eight points at the top of Serie A, play Lazio in the Coppa Italia final and have drawn with Monaco in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
By contrast, United are scrambling to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which they hope to achieve either by finishing in the Premier League top four or winning the Europa League.
Barzagli told Tuttosport: ‘I saw Pogba the other day via video chat. He was happy that we reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and is cheering for us.
‘Whoever leaves this group will always be part of it. Our biggest strength over the past few years has always been the team.
‘On the other hand he would surely have liked to be there.
‘But they are decisions you make. Nobody can expect to leave and then see your team reach the final four of the Champions League next season.’
Pogba won four Serie A titles and two Italian Cups during his time with Juventus, but lost the final of the Champions League to Barcelona in 2015.
He will sit out on Thursday’s derby with Manchester City after limping off during Sunday’s 2-0 win at Burnley.