Paul Pogba has broken his silence after Manchester United confirmed his departure.
The Red Devils announced the French midfielder, 29, will leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of June. The news was expected for some time and rumours suggest he will return to former side Juventus on a free transfer, having left Old Trafford for Turin for the first time back in 2012.
Pogba rejoined United in the summer of 2016 for a then-world-record transfer fee of £89million but failed to live up to his billing, winning just two major trophies - the EFL Cup and Europa League - during his second spell. Across his two stints with United, he played 233 games for the club.
"I feel privileged to have played for this club," Pogba wrote on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon. "Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you Manchester United."
Pogba's emotional message came just hours after United announced his departure. "Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract," read a statement. "The Frenchman has enjoyed a long association with United, having joined the club's Academy from Le Havre at the age of just 16."
United's statement went on to read: "It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.
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"But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.
"Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United. We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey."
Although he failed to win either the Premier League or Champions League at Old Trafford, Pogba still boasts a fine CV. He helped France win the World Cup in 2018 - scoring against Croatia in the final - and lifted the Nations League last autumn.
Pogba has been tipped to rejoin Juventus, where he won four consecutive Serie A titles, two Italian Cups and two Italian Super Cups between 2012 and 2016. He's also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and European champions Real Madrid.
"He is a Manchester United player," said Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene when asked about Pogba last month. "We respect them, and we would have to inform them first due to a gentleman's agreement."
Arrivabene added: "I agree that we could use a top-notch midfielder, and we are making our evaluations. We need the right balance across every role. The squad has to be financially sustainable, and we want the right combination between youngsters and veterans."
