Rio Ferdinand believes former teammate Paul Pogba can become the best player in the world.

The 22-year-old French midfielder left Manchester United to join Juventus back in 2012 and has since emerged as one of the brightest talents in Europe.

Speaking on BT Sport on Tuesday night, Ferdinand revealed the day he found out Pogba wanted out at United so he could chase his dream.

"Potentially, Pogba can be a Ballon d'or winner," Ferdinand said.

"I asked him. 'Why are you going? Where are you going? You're going to Juventus'.

"'That's not as good a league as the Premier League'.

"'You're at Manchester United. Where are you going? What are you doing?'

"He looked at me deadpan and went: 'I want to be the best player in the world and I'm not playing. I want to go and play.'"