Paul Pogba has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was eager to retain his services at Manchester United in 2012.

At the time, 19-year-old Pogba had run down his contract with United and was ready to leave for pastures anew.

Ferguson was determined to re-sign the talented French midfielder but Pogba, now 23 and a superstar for Juventus, informed the Old Trafford legend that his decision had already been made.

"He's a coach I respect a lot. But he's a human. I'm someone who says what he thinks," Pogba told ESPN.

"Whether it's Ferguson or (Barack) Obama, I'll tell him.

"Ferguson came to my place. We talked. It did make me think.

"He wanted to keep me, but I'd made my decision to leave."

Since leaving United for Juventus four years ago, Pogba has helped the Bianconeri win four of their five straight Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and two Suppercoppa Italiana trophies, as well as finishing runners-up in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League.