
Paul Pogba on Mecca pilgrimage ahead of FIFA World Cup 2018
French midfielder Paul Pogba has posted a video of himself at the holiest site of Islam in Saudi Arabia, as he prepares to join his French squad for the FIFA World Cup next month.
“Only the person that comes here can understand the feeling,” the 25-year-old Manchester United star said in an Instagram video from the holy city of Mecca.
“This a beautiful place -- beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And the feeling... I cannot even explain to you.”
READ | Arsenal FC appoint Unai Emery as new manager to succeed Arsene Wenger
The Frenchman posted the video of himself standing in front of the Kaaba, a black cube towards which Muslims turn for their five daily prayers.
Pogba, who will be a key member of France’s World Cup team in Moscow, made a similar pilgrimage last year during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
He told the BBC last week that he and his France team-mates must approach the World Cup finals with the right mindset, as that counts more than technical ability.
READ | Manchester United named most valuable football team by KPMG
The French -- World Cup winners in 1998 and finalists in 2006 -- are in Group C with Denmark, Australia and Peru and kick off their campaign in the Russian city of Kazan against the Australians on June 16.
Away from the World Cup, and despite speculation over his future at Manchester United, Pogba is determined to lift the Champions League with them in what is his second spell there.
Since his move from Italian giants Juventus in 2016, for which Manchester United paid a club-record fee of £89 million ($119 million), Pogba has won Europa and League Cup medals.

Chelsea march on under Tuchel with 2-0 win over Everton

Mumbai City FC pip FC Goa to enter ISL final
- Mumbai City managed to eke out a goalless draw before winning the tie that finished 2-2 on aggregate in penalties.

With Ole at the wheel, United know where they are going
- Emphatic win against City shows Solskjaer’s tactical nous and the ability to improve players

Teams left in Champions League wish they don’t draw Manchester City: David James
- Elaborating on the polarisation aspect, James cited the examples of quality goalkeepers on display in the Champions League knockouts.

Saints' Danny Ings out for three weeks with muscle injury

Rangers still have work to do, says Gerrard after title win

Bale over psychological scars of past injuries: Mourinho

Barca has deficit to overcome to recover in Champions League

Joan Laporta back as president at embattled Barcelona
- During the seven years of his presidency, the first team achieved two Champions Leagues, four league championships, a Copa del Rey, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup, three Spanish Super Cups and three Spanish Cups.

100 goals not bad for a negative team, says Tottenham boss Mourinho

Manchester United down City in derby, Spurs rout Palace as Kane & Bale hit brace

Atletico title pursuit stalled by late Madrid equalizer
- Karim Benzema, back in the Madrid squad after an injury layoff, scored in the 87th minute after Luis Suárez's early goal for Atlético at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Liverpool suffer sixth straight Anfield loss as Fulham win 1-0

Roma beat Genoa 1-0 to move into Champions League places
- Genoa remained seven points above the relegation zone after its second loss in three matches. It had only lost one of the previous 10 since Davide Ballardini replaced Rolando Maran as coach.

Lewandowski hat-trick steers Bayern past Dortmund 4-2
- Bayern Munich roared back from two goals down to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-2.