Football
ESPN staff 7y

Ruud Gullit warns Paul Pogba not to repeat Memphis Depay's mistakes

Ruud Gullit has told the Daily Mirror that Paul Pogba must focus on his football career before any off-field distractions or he could follow a similar path to Memphis Depay and end up leaving Manchester United without fulfilling his potential.

Pogba, 23, is known for his ever-changing hairstyle and has recently launched his own emoji but as the world's most expensive footballer he comes under increased scrutiny for his contribution to United.

And Gullit, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1987, believes the Frenchman cannot allow himself to become distracted.

"He may be the most expensive player in the world, but that does not count if he is spending more time on his dress style, the colours in his hair and his social media," Gullit said.

"Paul should ask Memphis -- and he will realise that being successful and reaching the top level in England is only possible if you perform every week and if you dedicate everything to your career.

"Memphis was heavily criticised because he found it more important to pimp his image than improve his football. He should have known that stuff on the pitch goes before anything.

"Pogba will also get the wrath of the fans. People will start to moan and have a go at him. Even for the biggest football stars in the world there is a big rule: Playing well for your club comes first, don't let all the other stuff catch the limelight. That is my advice."

A good role model for Pogba could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who Gullit believes has been central to United's form this season.

"Sir Alex Ferguson's legacy was immense," Gullit added. "It was too big for his first two successors, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. They stumbled over that legacy and crashed.

"And Jose Mourinho has found it just as tough to bring Man United back to the same level as the Ferguson era.

"But results have improved over the last few weeks -- and the man who is responsible for that is Ibrahimovic. He plays a massive role. He takes responsibility and carries the team. On top of that he is vital with his goals and his dominating presence."

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