Paul Pogba is famous for his midfield skills, but the Frenchman revealed that it was Brazilian striker Ronaldo who was his role model growing up. The Juventus midfielder’s earliest memories of football was France’s historic FIFA World Cup win in 1998, a tournament in which Ronaldo tormented defences, making a young Pogba fall in love with the game of football.
Speaking to FIFA.com on the occasion of his birthday, Pogba revealed his memories of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, saying “Ronaldo is my footballing role model and the player that made me fall in love with football. I was enthralled by him as I used to play up front when I was younger. His technique, pace and eye for goal, as well as the variety of his play, was something I liked and admired.”
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Zinedine Zidane was instrumental in France’s victory in the final, and Pogba, who’s emulating the Real Madrid manager at Juventus, revealed his admiration, saying “He’s a French icon and someone who made a real impression on us. We won’t forget him. Everyone respects and admires him and we all want to emulate what he’s achieved in his career.”
France National Team’s future is bright
Pogba was named in the FIFPro World XI for 2015 at the Ballon d’Or gala earlier this year, and represents one of the best group of young players that France have produced so far. Pogba is confident of emulating France's home success in 1998 once again as the Republic hosts the 2016 European Championships.
“I’m confident that with this generation of players we can bring back the good times for French football. We have a fine squad and a very savvy coach who will know how to help us achieve our goals.”
However, when quizzed what he would wish for as he blew out the candles on his birthday cake, Pogba revealed the depth of his focus, saying “Winning the Scudetto with Juventus. Once that’s done, it would be a dream come true to win my first [senior] title with France.”
However, Pogba has another wish, to share the same pitch as brothers Mathias and Florentin, who play for Guinea. Pogba revealed his hope, saying “It’s a dream we have for the three of us to share the same pitch, regardless of what game is is. But we know it will be difficult to fulfill.”
