At last, those who matter most have confirmed the worst-kept secret in European soccer.
Paul Pogba is back at Manchester United after officially moving from Juventus.
Pogba’s super-agent Mino Raiola tweeted “The Man is United,” while the Manchester United twitter account tweeted “Are you ready? #POGBACK” accompanied by a 10-second video of a man in a hoodie (clearly Paul Pogba) in a United kit covered in shadow. “Pogback” has been a popular hashtag for following the transfer saga.
THE MAN IS UNITED
— Mino Raiola (@MinoRaiola) August 8, 2016
Are you ready? #POGBACK https://t.co/Eihc6xTBsD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 8, 2016
Moments later, Manchester United made it official - at 12:35am local time, no less. They then decked out their social media accounts with images of Pogba as well.
“I am delighted to rejoin United,” the 23-year-old Frenchman told the official Manchester United website. “It has always been a club with a special place in my heart and I am really looking forward to working with José Mourinho.”
[ MORE: Jose Mourinho says he’s “proud” of Pogba deal ]
While the club did not make mention of any official financial details, multiple reports across England have tabbed the transfer at a cost of $116 million, a transfer record. According to one report, United will be responsible for an additional $32.5 million payment to Raiola, plus wages reportedly totaling $18 million a year for five years.