Paul Pogba ‘angry, appalled’ by media treatment

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has said he is “angry and appalled” by his treatment at the hands of some media outlets.

Pogba has rubbished a report claiming he will no longer play for France in response to comments made by the country’s president Emmanuel Macron that were perceived to be against Islam following the murder of a French history teacher who used cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in a class.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Pogba said: “Absolutely 100% unfounded news about me are going around, stating things I have never said or thought.

“I am appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated some ‘media’ sources use me to make total fake headlines in the sensible subject of French current events and adding the French National Team to the pot.

“I am against any and all forms of terror and violence. Unfortunately, some press people don’t act responsibly when writing the news, abusing their press freedom, not verifying if what they write/reproduce is true, creating a gossip chain without caring it affects people’s lives and my life.

“I am taking legal action against the publishers and spreaders of these 100% Fake News. In a quick shout out to The Sun, who normally could not care less: some of you guys probably went to school and will remember how your teacher said to always check your sources, don’t write without making sure.

“But hey, seems you did it again and in a very serious topic this time, shame on you!”

Manchester United released a statement later Monday in support of Pogba, saying: “Paul supports respect for his own religion and all religions, and is against any form of violence. These stories are totally unfounded. Paul is fully committed to playing for his country.”