Indian Super League (ISL) stalwarts ATK Mohun Bagan recently completed the signing of the 31-year-old defender and 2018 World Cup winner Paul Pogba's elder brother Florentin Pogba from French Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbliard. Unlike Paul, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, Florentin and twin brother Mathias (a forward) represent Guinea internationally. Since 2010, Florentin has had 30 caps for the West African nation.
Following the moves, Pogba shared an Instagram story with a picture of his brother and wished him luck for his stint with the Mariners, with Florentin having signed a two-year contract with ATK Mohun Bagan. Paul, who has left Manchester United and will reportedly join Juventus, wished him well, posting on Instagram: “I wish you all the best at your new club ATK Mohun Bagan.”
Prior to joining the Indian outfit, Florentin was with Sochaux, and before that, he spent six years with Ligue 1 side St. Etienne, including a season on loan at another French team Sedan, where he started his professional career in 2010. He joined Gençlerbirligi S.K. but after personal differences, left the club.
Florentin has also played in the US for the MLS side Atlanta United. He won the US Open Cup and Campeones Cup with him - the first two major trophies of his professional career. He then moved back to France and made 62 appearances for Sochaux.
The third of the Pogba brothers, Mathias Pogba, played for French fourth division side Belfort in the 2021-22 season.
Florentin will boost the Mariners’ defence which was previously bolstered by the addition of Australian defender Brendan Hamill on Thursday, June 23.
Meanwhile, ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando is rebuilding the squad, with an eye on the AFC Cup. Sharing his thoughts on the signing, Ferrando said, “Pogba is someone who can build from the back.”
