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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Antoine Griezmann makes Paul Pogba prediction - and urges fans to lay off him

Antoine Griezmann has no doubt that his close pal Paul Pogba will one day win the Ballon d’Or award despite his current woes at Manchester United .

Pogba is at the centre of attention again after an apparent verbal altercation with United fans following their miserable season-ending 2-0 defeat to Cardiff on Sunday.

Despite being their top-scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions, much of the blame for United's poor campaign has fallen on Pogba's shoulders.

The Frenchman reacted to seemingly being heckled by a small number of supporters during the club's lap of honour at Old Trafford.

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Three years after returning to the club from Juventus for a world-record fee, there is widespread talk about the 26-year-old moving on to pastures new this summer.

Real Madrid are strongly interested in a player who was voted into this season's PFA Team of the Year but has failed to win over a number of United supporters given his efforts across the team's poor campaign.

But Griezmann, who has forged a close relationship with Pogba while on international duty with France, believes he is harshly criticised.

And writing in his upcoming autobiography, the Atletico Madrid star, who this week revealed his desire to seek a move elsewhere, reckons Pogba will soon dominate world football.

Pogba has endured a miserable season with Man Utd (PA)

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“Paul is a great guy. Because of his over-exposure in the media, his transfer fee and his spectacular style of play, everything he does is scrutinised," he said.

“All the lights are trained on him. The press is very demanding with him, sometimes too harsh in my opinion. You can get the feeling that everything just slides off him, but it’s not the case.

“I suggested that he shouldn’t pay too much attention to what’s said about him and that he should just get his head down.

Griezmann has backed his pal to dominate world football in years to come (REUTERS)

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“He is such a hard worker, a remarkable player. And he’s someone who needs to feel loved.

“The media, even though they are doing their job, should encourage this more. People shouldn’t forget that he’s only young.

“He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Paul has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

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