Macron described the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty in a north-western suburb of Paris this month as an "Islamic terrorist attack".

Paty, 47, is said to have shown controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to his pupils. The knife-wielding attacker was shot dead by police in the aftermath of the attack.

Reports suggested Pogba, a practising Muslim, took offence over Macron's comments and has decided to call time on representing the world champion.

However, Pogba posted a picture on Instagram of an article stating he had ‘quit playing for France’ and wrote "unacceptable fake news" over the top.

        View this post on Instagram                   So The Sun did it again... absolutely 100% unfounded news about me are going around, stating things I have never said or thought. I am appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated some “media” sources use me to make total fake headlines in the sensible subject of French current events and adding my religion and the French National Team to the pot. I am against any and all forms of terror and violence. My religion is one of peace and love and must be respected. Unfortunately, some press people don’t act responsibly when writing the news, abusing their press freedom, not verifying if what they write/reproduce is true, creating a gossip chain without caring it affects people’s lives and my life. I am taking legal action against the publishers and spreaders of these 100% Fake News. In a quick shout out to The Sun, who normally could not care less: some of you guys probably went to school and will remember how your teacher said to always check your sources, don’t write without making sure. But hey, seems you did it again and on a very serious topic this time, shame on you! #fakenews #AllezLesBleus @equipedefrance A post shared by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba) on Oct 26, 2020 at 5:20am PDT

The former Juventus man made it clear he has no intention of retiring from Les Bleus duty and plans to take legal action.

"I am appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated some "media" sources use me to make total fake headlines in the sensible subject of French current events and adding my religion and the French National Team to the pot," Pogba wrote.

"I am against any and all forms of terror and violence. My religion is one of peace and love and must be respected."

He said: "I am taking legal action against the publishers and spreaders of these 100% Fake News."

Pogba made his France debut in March 2013 and has gone on to win 72 caps. He played the full match in the World Cup final victory over Croatia two years ago.