He watched Boca Juniors, and now Paul Pogba has spoken about Argentine players.

In a recent interview, French midfielder Paul Pogba shared his unique perspective on Argentine footballers, contrasting their fierce competitiveness on the pitch with their amiable nature off it. Pogba, known for his candidness, drew from his personal experiences with Argentine players Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marcos Rojo to illustrate his point.

• 

  Recommended

  This is how Xabi Alonso reacted after Asensio's penalty for Real Madrid.

Pogba began by humorously questioning the dual nature of Argentine players: "Why are Argentines so bad on the field, fighting, talking trash... And outside they are super nice people?" This observation sets the stage for his anecdotes, highlighting the stark contrast he has observed.

His most striking anecdote involves Leandro Paredes. Pogba recounted his initial impression: "When I saw Paredes, I told him, 'You are a SON OF A B****, I wanted to kill you...'" This blunt admission underscores the intense rivalry Pogba felt towards Paredes during their on-field encounters. However, Pogba's perception dramatically shifted when he met Paredes off the field. "Then I saw him at Memphis Depay's birthday and... TOP. He changed my mind. Good guy, super nice." This transformation in Pogba's view exemplifies his central theme: the surprising dichotomy between Argentine players' on-field aggression and off-field charm.

Pogba extended this observation to Rodrigo De Paul, sharing a similar sentiment with his French teammate Antoine Griezmann: "I told Griezmann too, because he was playing with Rodrigo De Paul. I said to him, 'I CAN'T STAND THIS GUY, I SWEAR.' If I play against him, I'll kill him." Yet, like with Paredes, Pogba acknowledges a different side to De Paul away from the competitive arena.

In contrast to his initial animosity towards Paredes and De Paul, Pogba expressed admiration for Marcos Rojo's consistent intensity: "And Marcos Rojo, ufff. In training he always plays hard, but I love it. He prepares you for matches. You know that with those guys you go to war." Pogba values Rojo's unwavering commitment, recognizing it as a quality that readies teammates for the rigors of competition.

Pogba concluded his reflections with a telling statement: "I always want an Argentine in my team." This declaration encapsulates his overall appreciation for the Argentine spirit in football. Despite acknowledging their on-field antics, Pogba clearly respects their passion, competitiveness, and the camaraderie they bring to a team.

• 

  Recommended

  (Video) They Lost a Point, and Now Monterrey Fans Remember River Plate's Relegation This Way

Pogba's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional football, where rivalries are intense but often confined to the pitch. His experiences with Paredes, De Paul, and Rojo reveal the complex relationships that can exist between players, shaped by both competition and personal interactions. Pogba's final endorsement of Argentine players speaks volumes about their value in a team environment, highlighting their unique blend of talent, tenacity, and camaraderie.