Pogba Recalls Antenatal Kickabouts

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Mathias Pogba claims he and his brothers have been playing football since they were in the womb - so he is delighted to end a summer of torment and get back into the game with Partick Thistle.

The 24-year-old joined the Ladbrokes Premiership side on Monday to join twin Florentin, of St Etienne, and younger brother Paul, the Juventus and France midfielder, in top-flight football.

The striker had spent months in limbo after leaving Crawley following their relegation to Sky Bet League Two and he is thrilled to be back doing what he loves best.

"Since we were born, we have played football," Pogba said. "Even in my mum's belly I think we had a ball.

"Football is a big thing for us and it will always be until we retire.

"I speak to my brothers every day, every two hours I would say. They are so happy for me because they know how stressed out I was at home waiting for something.

"So they are saying: 'Let's go now, let's do this. The first thing is done, to sign, now get on the pitch and show what you can do'."

Pogba, who has been capped by Guinea along with his twin brother, is grateful for Thistle manager Alan Archibald's faith after spending some difficult months waiting for a call.

"To be honest, I have been looking at my phone like never before," he said.

"But it happens, that's football, you have to expect things like this.

"I'm very excited to start the season with Partick Thistle. I can't wait to get on the pitch and show what I can do."

Pogba began his career with Celta Vigo before returning to France to play for Quimper. He also had an unhappy spell in Serie B with Pescara but most of his career has been spent in the English leagues with Wrexham, Crewe and Crawley.

And he believes he can thrive in the Scottish game alongside Thistle skipper Abdul Osman, his former Crewe team-mate.

When asked if the Scottish game would suit him, he said: "I think it will. I spoke with Abdul Osman because I played with him for two years. We talked about the league and how we will play.

"It looks like the same type of game but this is a top division so I expect more quality on the ball."

When asked what the Thistle fans can expect of him, he said: "I don't really like to talk about me, I prefer them to see it.

"But I will be giving 150 per cent on the pitch, holding the ball up for the team, helping the team to get some goals, and scoring goals myself."