Pirlo: Juventus were right to sell Pogba

Former Juventus star Andrea Pirlo believes the club were right to sell Paul Pogba to Manchester United.

The Serie A champions allowed the France international to leave during the transfer window for a world-record sum, with United reportedly paying an initial fee of £89.3million.

Pogba has received some criticism for his performances this season, particularly during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford last Saturday, while Juventus have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign in his absence.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have taken three wins from three league games, with €90m signing Gonzalo Higuain scoring three goals and fellow new arrivals including Miralem Pjanic, Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves and Marko Pjaca all impressing.

And Pirlo feels Juve now boast a squad capable of challenging for trophies on all fronts this term as a result of their decision to cash in on Pogba and replace him with talent across the pitch.

“It was the right choice, when you look at the players who came in,” he told Sky. “After such a great transfer window, I think Juventus are now built to win everything.

“Looking from the outside, the Italian championship isn’t that bad, but the transfer market showed that Juve are above everyone. It’s like the French league. Juve are in a separate competition – at least, that’s what the transfer window suggested. They’re like PSG.”

Pirlo has also backed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to triumph in the Premier League, having won three Serie A titles under the former midfielder in Turin.

“I’m glad Conte has started out very well and I’m sure he’ll have a great season,” he said. “He has passion, determination and he’s a football teacher. He has everything to be the best.”

Pirlo was linked with a possible return to Italy in the transfer window last season, with Inter interested in taking him back to San Siro, but the veteran midfielder says he made the right choice to stay with New York City.

“Inter’s management did make enquiries,” he added. “But I decided to stay at New York City. I’d made this decision and turning back didn’t seem right.”