Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri says he is happy to have French star Paul Pogba back on the pitch after he made his long-awaited second debut in the Bianconeri’s 4-2 win over city rivals Torino in Serie A on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been out for the past seventh months with a knee injury which has kept him out of actions since leaving Manchester United on a free transfer last summer.
Pogba finally took to the field when he came on in the 68th minute for Enzo Barrenechea and was greeted with a rousing ovation from the crowd.
“It had been a long time since we wanted Pogba back with us and we are happy,” Allegri told DAZN.
“With a game every three days, we need everyone available. There were many reasons to celebrate, Szczesny reaching 200 appearances, Alex Sandro 300, while Milik and Kean had their birthdays too.”
POGBACK. pic.twitter.com/wZYuglB9ga
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) February 28, 2023
Pogba was previously on the books of Juventus between 2012 and 2016 where he won eight titles, scoring 34 goals and providing 40 assists before moving to Man United in the summer of 2016 for £89.3 million in what was then the most-expensive football transfer.
Following his return, the United academy graduate received many heartfelt messages from a number of his former Red Devils teammates.
After their 15-point deduction early this year for financial misconduct, the Allegri-led side currently sit 7th in the Serie A standings with 35 points from 24 games, and they are on an impressive four matches winning run.
They will face Roma next in the league on Sunday, with the Giallorossi in 5th, nine points ahead of the Old Lady.
