Paul Pogba explained that being back on the pitch is ‘the thing he loves most in the world’ after his injury nightmare last season. The Bianconeri midfielder was finally able to play some minutes after missing almost the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign. The Frenchman played a vital role in Juve’s 1-1 draw with Bologna, supplying the pass that set Samuel Iling Jr free on the flank, moments before Dusan Vlahovics’ headed equaliser.
Speaking with DAZN after the game, Pogba revealed his delight to be back with his teammates and explained which positives he drew from the game, despite it ending in a disappointing draw:
How are you and what is it like to be back playing?
“Of course, I’m very happy to be back here on the field, doing the thing I love most in the world, being physically well, just to help the team. I’m happy, but a bit disappointed with today’s result, because I think we could have got the three points, but we didn’t.”
What do you take away as a positive
“The good thing is that we didn’t lose, then we know that we still have to work, learn more, have more experience, but today we take this point, we work on it for the next game, to do better than today.”
What did Allegri tell you at half-time? We saw a different Juve in the second half, much meaner and more aggressive.
“To play our game, to attack, to run, to aim, we did it very well, playing on the wing, that’s where we created this goal. There are still things we have to change, but come on, it fits, let’s take this point and think about the next game.”
Allegri said: ‘I can’t wait to see the real Pogba again. What are you missing?
“Playing time, playing time, more training and being here on the pitch. That’s all that’s missing, but I’m very well physically and I certainly want to come back great.”
How much do you want Juventus, how much do you want to be here?
“As I said before, I’m hungry, like the early days here, when I was younger, I’m hungry to work, to play, to win, still to learn, because I’m only 30 years old and I want to give these fans trophies and pleasure to come to the stadium for the victories.”
