Paul Pogba's New Home in Turin
Paul Pogba, the French midfielder who recently returned to top-flight football with AS Monaco, has made headlines for more than just his performances on the pitch. The 33-year-old World Cup winner has taken up residence in a lavish villa in Turin, Italy, that previously belonged to his former Juventus teammate and global icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The move underscores Pogba's desire to settle into an environment that matches his ambitions as he attempts to reignite his career after a turbulent period marked by injuries and a doping ban.
The Return to Football
Pogba's comeback to Ligue 1 with Monaco has been closely watched. After serving an 18-month suspension for a doping violation, later reduced, he made his first appearance for the club in a match against FC Metz. While Monaco secured a victory, Pogba's performance drew mixed reactions. Analyst Maxime Chanot on RMC did not hold back, stating that Pogba "could no longer play in Ligue 1", a harsh assessment that reignited debate about the player's current level. Yet Pogba, known for his charisma and flair, remains defiant. "I still love to play, to dribble," he said. "I feel like a young player joining an academy for the first time. Everything depends on me."
A Career of Highs and Lows
Pogba's journey in football has been anything but ordinary. He rose through Manchester United's youth ranks but left for Juventus in 2012 after limited first-team opportunities. At Juventus, he blossomed into one of the world's best midfielders, winning four Serie A titles and reaching the Champions League final. His performances earned him a then-world record £89 million return to Manchester United in 2016. Back at Old Trafford, Pogba helped the club win the Europa League and League Cup, but his time was also marred by inconsistency, injuries, and controversies with managers José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær. A second stint at Juventus in 2022 was hampered by knee problems and the doping case that sidelined him for over a year. Now at Monaco, the French international is determined to prove his critics wrong.
The Villa: Former Home of Cristiano Ronaldo
The property Pogba now calls home is an extraordinary example of luxury real estate. Located on Corso Alberto Picco, one of Turin's most prestigious addresses, the villa is situated near the iconic Piazza Gran Madre, offering both elegance and privacy. According to reports, the estate actually comprises two interconnected villas set within a sprawling green compound. The total living area is approximately 1,000 square meters, with around 300 square meters dedicated to outdoor spaces. A private park surrounds the residence, ensuring total seclusion from the media and public.
Luxury Amenities
Inside, the villa is equipped with facilities befitting a top athlete. There is a state-of-the-art gym, essential for Pogba's rigorous training regimen. A swimming pool, spa, and sauna provide relaxation and recovery options, while a hammock area offers a tranquil spot to unwind. The garage is accessible via a car elevator, a feature that highlights the property's high-end design. The ground floor also includes two independent apartments for staff, allowing Pogba to have a support team close at hand without sacrificing his privacy. The neighborhood adds to the appeal, with famous residents such as Italian comedian Luciana Littizzetto living nearby.
Turin: A City Steeped in Football History
Turin is no stranger to football legends. The city is home to Juventus, one of Italy's most successful clubs, and Pogba himself spent four formative years there earlier in his career. Returning to the city, even as an opponent (Monaco plays in Ligue 1, not Serie A), allows him to reconnect with a place where he experienced some of his best football. The villa itself carries the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo, who lived there during his own time at Juventus from 2018 to 2021. Ronaldo's presence in the city was marked by intense media scrutiny, and the villa's layout was designed to offer maximum discretion. Pogba benefits from the same setup.
Pogba's Mindset: Determination Over Doubt
The move to such a prominent home signals Pogba's confidence in his own future. Despite the criticism, he has spoken openly about his mental state. "I love the game. I've been through a lot, but my passion hasn't faded. I'm like a kid again," he told reporters. His focus is on rebuilding his form and helping Monaco climb the Ligue 1 standings. The villa, with its luxury and tranquility, provides an ideal backdrop for physical and mental preparation. It is a statement that Pogba is not merely surviving but planning to thrive once more.
A New Chapter
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Pogba to see if he can recapture the magic that made him a world champion in 2018. His new residence in Turin might be a symbol of his past associations with Italy's football elite, but it also represents a fresh start. The blend of high-end living and sporting ambition creates a compelling narrative for one of football's most intriguing figures. Whether he can silence the doubters remains to be seen, but his surroundings certainly suggest he is ready to give it his all.
Source: Melty News