Goal.com

Paul Pogba snubbed a move to Real Madrid because he wanted to return “home” by joining Manchester United, according to his representative Mino Raiola.

Pogba, 23, was strongly linked with a switch to the Spanish club before completing a world record transfer to United from Juventus earlier this month.

Speaking for the first time since the deal, Raiola has confirmed Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was keen to land his compatriot alongside “five or six” others clubs.

However, the super agent says Pogba made him aware after his Euro 2016 exploits with France that he always had his heart set on rejoining United, who he left in 2012 after emerging through the youth system.

"We never spoke about business during the Euros. He was disappointed in losing the final,” Raiola told Telefoot. "He clearly told me what he wanted. For Paul, Manchester has always been his home and I gave him the heads up about everything happening in Miami. 

“Zidane also wanted him, I think, as well as five or six clubs. Manchester United is stronger now with my player. Real Madrid is not."

Raiola also claims United boss Jose Mourinho tried to sign Pogba while he was in charge of Chelsea.

He added: “Mourinho wanted him already last year, but it was not the right moment.”