Paul Pogba dedicates goal against Russia to late father who would have been 80 today
Frenchman scored a stunning free-kick before lifting up his shirt to reveal a poignant message and pointing to the skies
PAUL POGBA scored a stunning free-kick against Russia and then dedicated the goal to his late father.
Fassou Antoine, who passed away in May, would have been celebrating his 80th birthday today.
And after whipping in a 30-yard set-piece to give France a 2-0 lead, he lifted up his shirt to reveal a poignant message and pointed to the skies.
It read: “Happy birthday Papa. May Allah give him mercy.”
Pogba shared a picture of his old man in his hospital bed on his 79th birthday, just two months before his passing.
Fassou was snapped in the stands when France played Switzerland during Euro 2016 with his two sons who wore T-shirts saying “Happy Father’s Day” in French.
And it was fitting that the 25-year-old would score his first international goal since his passing on such a memorable day.
Pogba’s goal and assist for France’s first also sent out a message to boss Jose Mourinho.
The £89million signing’s relationship with the Portuguese gaffer is reportedly at rock bottom after being given the axe.
France coach Didier Deschamps has also raised concerns over Pogba being unhappy at Old Trafford heading into the World Cup this summer.
Fans have taken to Twitter ask why Pogba plays so well for his country but not for United.
One joked: “Mourinho didn’t even see the Pogba strike. Too busy getting himself to Hungary to assess McTominay’s discipline levels.”
Another said: “Pogba scoring and assisting in the opening 48 minutes in a world class France team.
“We need to realise our whole team needs to be built around him.”
And another United supporter claimed it’s because he’s “free from Jose’s shackles.”