Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 10y

Pogba says he'll never be a star

His fame is only just taking off, but Paul Pogba believes he will always keep his feet on the ground, insisting, "I will never be a star."

Pogba, 21, is already a well-recognised figure among football fans, especially in France and Italy, after developing into one of the game's most promising talents. After failing to establish himself at Manchester United as a youngster, despite his much-heralded arrival at Old Trafford, the ex-Le Havre youth academy product has blossomed at Juventus.

An integral part of Antonio Conte's squad, which has won back-to-back Serie A titles, Pogba is already a major attraction beyond the confines of calcio, but he told media at France's World Cup base camp in Brazil he remains unchanged.

"I love football, and give my life to it. But it's my job. If I can make people happy, then that's great," said Pogba.

Pogba and his international teammates are the ones with smiles on their faces now after getting a fitting welcome from the people of Ribeirao Preto, Les Bleus' home-away-from-home during their challenge for a second World Cup for France.

"We're very good. We're starting to get a feel for things. We're going to start training," said Pogba, who enjoyed a first practice session under the Brazilian sun in front of a sizeable and boisterous crowd. "We expected it a bit, but it's really good. They have welcomed us warmly. We really feel at ease."

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