Roberto Mancini reveals City came close to landing United youngster, before Juve swooped.
Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed the club turned down the chance to sign Paul Pogba on a free transfer from bitter rivals Manchester United.
The France international left Old Trafford for Juventus in summer 2012 after becoming frustrated by his lack of first-team football under former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
In Turin the 20-year-old, who the Old Lady paid less than £1m in compensation for, has established himself as one of the hottest properties in European football and he is expected to shine for France in next summer’s World Cup.
Ahead of Juventus rescheduled Champions League clash with Mancini’s Galatasaray, the Italian says he could have dealt United a major blow by landing Pogba and is still puzzled by the Eastlands club’s failure to do so.
He explained to Tuttosport: “He is a player I really like. Two years ago, before he went to Juventus, we could have signed him for Manchester City on a free transfer.
“To be honest, I can’t really remember why we decided not to.”
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