After Anthony Martial joined Manchester United last summer as the transfer window closed, there followed many lengthy articles in the French media about what actually happened in the deal and how it got done.
It was interesting stuff, because a week earlier there were a good proportion of football fans who had never heard of the player, and suddenly he was potentially one of the most expensive in football history.
The Paul Pogba saga was a little slower, and explained in great length throughout. French newspaper L’Equipe have brought it all together in an article on Monday and there’s nothing hugely surprisingly, but Edward Woodward will be happy with his starring role.
L’Equipe explain that Woodward was responsible for operation ‘Pogboom’ and met Mino Raiola about the situation in Monte Carlo. That meeting was held in June, and Woodward then made contact with Juventus to inform the Turin club of Manchester United’s intention.
Euro 2016 then served to slow things down, but the sides continued talking and agreement was finally reached. Then, L’Equipe explain, Juventus had one final request.
Juventus wanted to hear from Pogba directly, via his own voice, that he wanted to leave. And so, he telephoned as requested and informed the Italian club he wanted to join Manchester United.
L’Equipe point out that marketing had a big part to play in the move, and social media accounts accounts sent out messages with the approval and request of those in charge of the PR campaign.
There’ll be a film one day, no doubt.
