Five things you didn't know about Florentin Pogba

The Guinean centre-back has played extensively in the second division of the French league.

ATK Mohun Bagan have taken the transfer window by storm in the ISL, announcing no less than four players over the last five days. The biggest name has been served at the last with Guinean international and brother of Paul, Florentin Pogba signing for the Mariners on a two-year deal.

While we know a ton about Paul Pogba and his exploits, we are relatively unfamiliar with his elder brother. The 31-year-old will provide quality, experience and intelligence to Juan Ferrando's backline. The Spanish tactician has the AFC Cup Inter-Zonal Semi-Final in mind, roping in Australian defender Brendan Hamill.

Before we see the former Sochaux man in action, let's get to know him better through these five facts.

Pogba supported Arsenal as a kid

Florentin Pogba witnessed Arsenal's invincible season as a wide-eyed kid of fourteen. He grew up supporting the Gunners in his childhood, also influencing Paul's choice of support. During those years, Arsenal shared a fierce rivalry with Manchester United, the side that Paul would go on to join years later. Florentin supported United and his brother from the stands quite a few times, so it may be said that his loyalties have changed significantly.

Early days at Celta Vigo

Florentin caught the eyes of scouts from Celta when he was playing for amateur Parisian clubs. Alongside his twin brother Mathias, he spent two years in the youth ranks of the Spanish club. He shared the dressing room with other talented youngsters like Joselu and Iago Aspas along with Agus Garcia, ISL winner with ATK in 2020.

Despite not playing for the first team, Florentin has often mentioned how important the phase was in his career. "At first, we didn't want to go there. We had nothing - we didn't know the country, the language or the football. No one knew us, we lived in a residence with other players."

"However, we stuck to it and focused on our game. I think those two seasons in Spain did us a world of good. It gave us a lot of maturity and made us grow as men. I don't think I would have been able to survive there by myself.

Pogba plays for Guinea

Florentin has worn both the red of Guinea and the blue of France. He made his debut for the Guinea senior side in 2010 in a friendly against Mali.

Pogba was called up to represent the French U-20 side at the 2011 Toulon Tournament. He put in consistent performances throughout the campaign, before losing out to James Rodriguez's Colombia in the final. Pogba was one of the three players of the French side to miss a penalty.

In 2013, the defender announced that he would only represent Guinea. Since then, he has been called up on innumerable occasions. With 31 caps to his name, his last appearance came against Sudan in World Cup Qualifier in 2021.

Paul and Florentin faced each other in the Europa League

In 2017, Manchester United drew Saint Etienne in the Europa League Round of 32. This meant that for the very first time, the Pogba brothers would play each other in a competitive match.

United won the first leg 1-0 owing to a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal. Saint Etienne had their share of chances after Eric Bailly was sent off in the 63rd minute. Florentin started at left-back while Paul was supported by Carrick and Fellaini in midfield.

In the second leg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hattrick and secured United's advancement to the next round.

The brothers swapped shirts after both games and embraced, in what was surely an emotional moment for the duo.

Sochaux FC have conceded the lowest goals in Ligue 2 over the last two years

Florentin Pogba has plied his trade for Ligue 2 side Sochaux over the last two seasons. Among sides that have been in the division in 2020/21 and 2021/22, Sochaux have conceded the least goals (71).

Pogba started 63 of the 76 games that The Lions Club played in the competition. This speaks volumes about the impact that the 31-year-old had on the side, who failed to achieve promotion despite going very close on both occasions.

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