MANCHESTER, England—Emerging from the shadows, Paul Pogba—a red devil emblazoned on the side of his head—removed his hood, looked straight into the camera and uttered the words Manchester United fans had been waiting to hear: “I’m back.”
With that 26-second video teaser released by United early Tuesday, the France midfielder became the world’s most expensive footballer at around $151 million and England’s biggest club made another statement of intent during its latest offseason of heavy spending that moved close to $260 million.
Pogba left United four years ago when he was 19—and virtually for nothing when his first contract with the club expired. He says: “I just went for a holiday. I’ve come back home.”
This was the new Man United at work: Breaking the world transfer record, announcing a signing after midnight local time to suit foreign audiences, and in a series of glitzy videos, including one with a grime artist where Pogba produces some impressive dance moves.
United will hope the 23-year-old Pogba saves his best work for the football field.
From The Associated Press
