Manchester United star Paul Pogba paid a touching tribute to his late father as France won the World Cup
The 25-year-old lost his father last year and he was in his thoughts on the biggest day of his career
Paul Pogba paid a touching tribute to his late father after France's World Cup triumph.
The Manchester United midfielder lifted the Jules Rimet trophy on Sunday after playing a decisive role in his country's 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Pogba scored and produced a dominant performance in the centre of midfield to silence the many critics he has had in recent years.
During the match, the 25-year-old wore shinpads bearing an image of his dad Fassou Antoine, who passed away in May last year aged 79.
The shinpads also had a poignant message written on them: "Oh Lord, do not chastise me for what they say.
“Forgive me for what they do not know and make me better than what they think of me.”
After the match, Pogba spoke of his sadness that his dad could not share in the celebrations as France won the World Cup for only the second time.
He said: "I think about 1998, when I watched a cassette tape of the World Cup with my father, at home, on repeat, we would watch it the entire time, the entire time. Now today I am a world champion.
"I miss my father. He is watching us. I think he would be very proud, this is for him.
“I spoke to the team before the match, I said to them make me win it, make me dream, make me achieve my dream.
"I want to thank everyone, right to the kit-man, we did everything together. The work has paid off. We are so proud to represent our country.”
He later posted a message on Twitter too thanking his parents.
Amazing scenes in France as millions take to the street to celebrate their World Cup triumph
Pogba was at the heart of the French celebrations after the match and shared footage from inside the dressing room on social media.
He had a light-hearted dig at England fans, singing 'Football's Coming Home' and did a dab with the French president, Emmanuel Macron.