Zulay Pogba, wife of former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, has mounted a passionate defence of her husband after critics called on him to retire from professional football.

The criticism intensified following reports that Monaco are considering releasing the 33-year-old after another injury-disrupted season in Ligue 1. Pogba, who had been working to rebuild his career after serving a doping suspension, managed only six appearances last season — earning £44,000 a week during that time.

A human being, not just a footballer

Taking to social media, Zulay pushed back firmly against two of the most common accusations: that Pogba should retire, and that he returned to the game purely for financial gain.