Max Allegri says Paul Pogba can be the 'icon' of Juventus

Manager Massimiliano Allegri has insisted Paul Pogba can be the 'icon' of the new-look Juventus team heading into the 2022/23 season.

Pogba was re-signed by Juve as a free agent this summer, having previously spent four trophy-laden seasons in Turin, and was given the famous number 10 jersey - a jersey vacated by Paulo Dybala after his contract at the club expired.

The dynamic midfielder made his second Juventus debut at the weekend, helping La Vecchia Signora to a comfortable 2-0 win over C.D. Guadalajara in Las Vegas.

Speaking after the victory to the press, Allegri provided an assessment of Pogba, and the team's, performance: “It was a good test. At times, we played with good rhythm, the team worked hard in Turin these days and you could see that.

“Pogba played well, there were a few elements he needs to work on but he will be an icon of this team.”

The French World Cup winner endured a difficult final season at Manchester United during 2021/22, missing 19 games due to injury as the Red Devils finished a disappointing sixth in the Premier League.

In his official unveiling, Pogba said he was delighted to be back at Juve, and even revealed that he had kept in contact with Allegri throughout his time in the Premier League: "I am very happy to be back home - because that is how I feel here, at home. I am extremely delighted.

“It was always a pleasure to receive messages from Juventus fans when I was in England. My focus was completely on Manchester United, but I missed the fans here. Juve supporters are special, they really get behind the team.

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"When I was at Man Utd I kept in touch with Mr Allegri. He was my coach here the first time, and we enjoyed some great moments together. I’ve always had a good relationship with him. He is the right man here and this was the right moment for me to come back.

"My heart chose Juve for me. I felt inside that this was where I wanted to come and that’s when the decision was made."