May 21, 2016, the Italian Cup final Juventus won 1-0 against AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, was Paul Pogba’s last match in Italy.
On Tuesday, Pogba returned to the field with Juventus, 2,474 days – seven years – after his last appearance for the Old Lady following his transfer to Manchester United.
After a hugely prolonged absence for the French midfielder – 315 days since his last game, for United – he played more than 20 minutes of great physical intensity in the Derby della Mole against Torino, which Juve won 4-2.
He is now back on the pitch after a serious long-term meniscus knee injury, after 315 days of waiting and hoping, frustration and criticisms of a top player who has been inactive for many months after a couple of pre-season friendlies in America in July.
Pogba is still wearing the famous No 10 and his smile is as bright as the day he made his Serie A debut.
Paul Pogba put 315 days of injury hell behind him as he returned to the pitch for Juventus
The midfielder made his second debut for the Italian giants, seven years after his first one
Pogba came on in a 4-2 derby win against Torino and his return is a huge boost for Max Allegri
Juventus’ Allianz Stadium roared to welcome him back onto the pitch, showing their love for the hapless playmaker.
He came very close to scoring with a left-footed volley blocked by Torino defenders and earned the free kick from which Adrien Rabiot scored the fourth goal, which killed the game off and helped secure the three points for his side.
POGBA HAS 90 DAYS TO FIND A KEY ROLE
It is very unlikely Pogba will be 100 per cent fit, given his long inactivity, meaning boss Massimiliano Allegri and the medical team will have to manage him intelligently.
The next three months will be key in discerning whether Pogba is still the top player who prompted the Red Devils to spend around £90million him or the injury-prone player who struggles for consistency.
Juventus want him to show real discipline in training and genuine quality on the pitch after waiting patiently for six months for his return.
He must get back up to full match fitness as soon as possible because fourth place – and the final Champions League spot – is only currently 10 points away.
The Pogba effect, pending the Italian courts’ final decision on the 15-point deduction handed to the club, could represent an important upgrade to kickstart Juventus’ season and lead the charge for European football.
Former Manchester…