No one ever knew that one day in early June, Paul Pogba t privately with Gao Shen, then head coach of Manchester City, in an unremarkable restaurant in downtown Manchester.
Pogba was likely a regular custor there, so the entire eting was kept highly confidential.
Only two people attended that eting—Gao Shen and Pogba.
Not even Pogba's agent knew.
It was an interesting eting. Gao Shen ordered a variety of dishes for him. So he liked, others he couldn't really understand the appeal of.
They ate and talked. Later, they sipped tea.
Pogba had to admit that Gao Shen was a great conversationalist, especially with him.
Back when he was at Le Havre or even after joining Manchester United, Pogba never felt he could connect with his coaches. But strangely, he didn't feel that way with Gao Shen.
They could talk about anything—iPhones, ga consoles, computers, even headphones...
It seed like Gao Shen knew a bit about everything.
That day, they discussed a lot of topics. Pogba forgot so of them afterward.
But one subject stood out—Ferguson.
He couldn't recall whether Gao Shen had brought it up or if it had co from him, but the conversation flowed naturally, especially since Ferguson had already inford Pogba that Manchester United would accept Leeds United's offer.
Pogba also knew very well that it was Gao Shen who had used his personal connections to convince Ferguson.
Manchester United's stance was clear: Pogba would not be getting any first-team opportunities for now. Rather than waste ti, it was better to move elsewhere, get experience, and maybe return when the ti was right.
Pogba knew that was just a nice way of putting it.
If he didn't develop well at Leeds United, there'd be no way back to Manchester United.
As they spoke, Pogba shared many stories—about himself, about Manchester United, and about Ferguson.
Back when he was still in Le Havre's academy, many clubs were scouting him. Manchester United wasn't even the frontrunner at first. But the reason he chose United was that Ferguson personally visited his ho to persuade him and his family.
"We all believed I would receive the best training at Manchester United and be treated as a top-level youth player."
That's what Pogba had believed back then.
It was natural. Every young player thinks that way.
But once he got to Manchester United, things turned out quite different from what he'd imagined.
For example, there were many veterans in the team—Giggs, Scholes, even Fletcher—and they all had special relationships with Ferguson.
Giggs would joke about Ferguson being a "red-nosed joker," while Scholes and the others could chat and laugh with him. Rooney was the sa.
To Pogba, this all felt very foreign.
His French compatriot Evra told him that Manchester United was different and that he should try to adapt and accept it.
Pogba slowly got used to it.
For a while, his relationship with Manchester United was harmonious.
But over the past year, things had changed.
"I thought I had the ability and deserved more first-team opportunities. He thought the sa at first, but after losing a few gas, especially that heavy defeat to Manchester City, he completely changed. He beca cautious, conservative, and no longer trusted young players."
Pogba knew this wasn't good for him.
His contract with Manchester United expired in 2012, and the 2010–11 season was the best ti to renew.
United did want to renew, but they couldn't et his demands.
He wasn't asking for much. Beyond a decent salary, all he really wanted was playing ti.
"You know what? I tried working with several agents, but none of them dared to speak up for in front of Ferguson. They were all scared. Their legs would go weak just standing in front of him."
"At first, I thought it was just bad luck, so I switched agents. But it was the sa thing. So even sided with Ferguson, telling I was still young and should wait my turn…"
Pogba found this baffling. Wasn't an agent supposed to act in the player's best interests?
"Gradually, I realized—no one at Manchester United, or even in England, dares to say no to Ferguson!"
"At that point, I thought, I'm different. I will!"
Gao Shen listened patiently to Pogba's complaints and frustrations. Once he had cald down, Gao Shen explained Ferguson's role and influence at Manchester United.
"He runs Manchester United like a family. He's the 'father'—a very strict father."
That's the godfather of Manchester United.
But Gao Shen also told Pogba that he wasn't wrong. Young players today are no longer suited to the old-school managent style. In this respect, Ferguson had indeed failed to keep up with the tis.
At the sa ti, Gao Shen laid out his plans and developnt path for Pogba.
Leeds United were playing in the Championship, a perfect platform for an 18-year-old to develop.
At the ti, Gao Shen promised that Leeds United would return to the Premier League within two years, and Pogba would beco a regular starter for a Premier League side by the age of 20.
That was a promising future.
Because back then, Manchester United could not make that promise.
Other clubs might have, but Pogba had never been in contact with them.
During their conversation, Gao Shen asked Pogba who his idol was.
The young Frenchman said he admired many players—Ronaldinho, Zidane, Kaka. He liked ssi a lot now. But his hero was boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
"He's my hero. I want to change the world like he did!"
Then the 18-year-old added shyly, a bit embarrassed, "I know that sounds immature, but it's really what I think."
"No, no. That's not childish at all. That's a brave and confident goal."
Gao Shen told him that courage and confidence are vital qualities on the pitch.
"We always talk about players like Zidane, Vieira, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Henry… even Maradona. What they had in common was courage, confidence, and resilience. That's what made them special."
"All great people insist on doing what they believe is right. They never—or almost never—doubt themselves. That's what makes them stand out."
"So, Paul, rember what you just said. Rember your goal. No matter what difficulties or obstacles you face, be like your idol, Muhammad Ali—throw your punches with courage, determination, and confidence!"
That was the first ti Pogba saw light in soone's eyes.
And it was in that mont that he decided to join Leeds United.
…
Upton Park, London.
The first half was nearing its end.
For so reason, Pogba's mind kept drifting back to that conversation with Gao Shen. The words he had said echoed in his ears.
Deep inside, a voice stirred, shouting and roaring non-stop.
Co on, Paul!
Be like your idol, Muhammad Ali—throw your punches with courage, determination, and confidence!
You can do it, Paul!
He started to feel restless. His composure slipped.
A misplaced pass from him led to a West Ham counterattack that nearly ended in a goal.
From behind him, Schneiderlin shouted angrily—clearly unhappy with Pogba's mistake.
But Pogba ignored it.
His mind was filled with that voice, repeating itself.
Then, suddenly, everything went quiet.
He made up his mind to try.
Just as Gao Shen had encouraged him—take the leap, boldly and confidently.
…
"Here!"
As Schneiderlin took possession, Pogba suddenly raised his hand to call for the ball.
He was already on West Ham's left flank, surrounded by defenders.
The 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation is incredibly dense and suffocating defensively.
Pogba positioned himself in the gap between the second and third midfield lines.
Despite having just scolded him, Schneiderlin didn't hesitate and passed the ball.
His passes were always reliable.
Before Pogba even received it, West Ham's No. 32, defensive midfielder O'Neil, charged toward him as if trying to knock him off the ball. Right behind was Kevin Nolan in pursuit.
The young Frenchman, tall with long legs and a quick burst, beat O'Neil to the ball and controlled Schneiderlin's pass. Before O'Neil could challenge him, Pogba quickly returned the ball, barely evading the incoming tackle.
But Kevin Nolan was right behind.
Just after returning the ball, Pogba spun into a sudden, elegant Marseille turn. Left foot flick, body turn, right foot pull. Nolan had no chance to steal the ball.
Relying on that dazzling move, Pogba sliced between two defenders. When Scott Parker ca over, Pogba feinted a breakthrough, then expertly worked the ball side to side with both feet, dragging it across the top of the box.
He carved out space.
Now standing just outside the D, Pogba didn't hesitate. His mind was clear, his focus locked onto goalkeeper Robert Green. He unleashed a direct shot.
Center back Faye lunged in, trying to block it. But the shot skimd under his outstretched foot and flew into the bottom-right corner.
Goalkeeper Green stood frozen, stunned.
It all happened in one smooth, fluid motion.
The entire stadium only reacted after the goal went in.
Everyone was stunned.
(To be continued.)
***
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