The atmosphere at the Miami Beach Convention Center had already won him over last Thursday when, alongside Thiago Alcantara, he watched the round of 16 at the motorola razr Miami Premier Padel P1. And on a day featuring two must-watch finals, Paul Pogba returned to enjoy the show in a city he loves, where padel has found the perfect setting to be played and improved upon. A passion that the Frenchman immediately shows as he chats with us, sneaking a peek at the court where Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria are battling Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea: “Yeah, we can talk, but first tell me the score…” .
Then, a warm greeting with a padel legend, Fernando Belasteguin, the tournament director, before taking a seat in the VIP stands, signing autographs and snapping selfies with fans. “Being in Miami is amazing,” says the former Manchester United and Juventus star and 2018 World Cup champion. “It’s a beautiful city with a strong sports culture. I love many sports, but padel is something I’m truly passionate about, and I really enjoy playing it. It’s an incredible pleasure to be here, watching these athletes train and do what they were born to do: play and compete.”
The Miami P1 was an event he couldn’t miss: “Yeah, like I said, I love playing padel. I play a lot, even though I’m not very good yet, and I want to improve,” he admits with a smile. Although it’s hard to believe that someone as talented as him wouldn’t have all the athletic and technical skills to be an excellent amateur. “It’s such an engaging sport, that’s true,” Pogba concludes. “It’s easy to learn and super fun. It’s one of those sports that everyone can play, and I definitely couldn’t miss it”.
As the match progresses into the third set, Paul carefully watches the players’ movements and shots, trying to pick up some secrets. “I need to practice more,” he says while observing the players on the court. “After all, it’s all about practice—everything comes down to training.”
When asked which player he looks up to, he finds it hard to choose: “I have many friends in the world of padel, they are all great champions, and it’s really difficult to pick just one. The way they all play is incredible—that’s one of the reasons I’m such a big fan of this sport. But if I have to choose one, I’d say Galán—he’s a player I really like a lot,” Pogba concludes.