Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Paul Pogba’s decision to remain in Turin was a ‘victory for football’ amid interest from Man City this summer.
According to the Manchester Evening News last month, the French midfielder was still on Manuel Pellegrini’s radar ahead of the transfer deadline.
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However, the 22-year-old opted to remain with the Bianconeri and further his career as he was handed a bigger role following the departures of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.
Having been handed the No.10 jersey, Pogba committed his future to the club and has a crucial part to play for Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season.
Buffon is delighted to have his teammate still with him.
“Manchester City are one of three or four clubs in the world that can pay what I call crazy money, so it’s only natural they were interested in him,” Buffon said, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
“He made his intentions to stay with Juventus very clear though, and that was important for us, but also important for football. It showed that money doesn’t always win.”
City were busy in the transfer market this summer and signed the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling to bolster their squad ahead of a title push.
Pogba was valued at £70m by the Serie A champions to deter clubs from making a bid, according to The Independent.
City’s decision to spend has seemingly paid immediate dividends though, given that they top the Premier League after winning all five games so far this season, but they ultimately had to switch their focus to Fabian Delph as an alternative to Pogba in order to strengthen their midfield.
While there is still plenty of time in Pogba’s career for him to experience life in a new league or even return to England after his initial spell with Man United, he remains focused on helping Juve through their current transitional period.
Buffon’s comments certainly come at an intriguing time though, given that his side will face City in their Champions League group opener at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
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