Paul Pogba has revealed that he was 'questioning myself over a lot of things' before turning to Islam and becoming 'more peaceful inside'.
The Manchester United star, who recently made a pilgrimage to Mecca during the holy month of Ramadan, wasn't born a Muslim despite his mother's faith.
But after going through a difficult period, Pogba decided to research the religion and follow a number of his friends by practising Islam.
The midfielder, who remains a transfer target for Real Madrid this summer, credits the decision with helping to make him a better person.
Asked what being a Muslim meant to him in The Times' new Life Times podcast, Pogba said: 'It's everything. That's what makes me thankful for everything.
'It made me change, realise things in life. I guess, maybe, it makes me more peaceful inside.
'It was a good change in my life because I wasn't born a Muslim, even if my mum was. I just grew up like that, respect for everyone.
'Islam is not the image that everyone sees – terrorism… What we hear in the media is really something else, it's something beautiful.
'You get to know it. Anybody can find that he feels connected with Islam.'
Asked why he decided to become a Muslim in his twenties, the France midfielder admitted that he
'It came because I have a lot of friends who are Muslim. We always talk.
'I was questioning myself in a lot of things, then I started doing my own research. I prayed once with my friends and I felt something different. I felt really good.
'Since that day I just carried on. You have to pray five times a day, that's one of the pillars of Islam. It's something that you do.
'The meaning why you do it – you ask forgiveness and be thankful for everything you have, like my health and everything.
'It's really a religion that opened my mind and that makes me, maybe, a better person. You think more about the afterlife.
'This life has a test. Like when I'm with you, here. Even if you're not a Muslim, you are a normal human. You have a human relationship and respect you for who you are, what religion you are, what colour and everything.
'Islam is just this – respect of the humanity and everything.'
Vehdiknry
141
yes,Pogba can be a good Imam rather than a footballer. He analyzed everything
Alpha-aquilae
83
In all fairness, any Christian who takes the time to read the Quran and understand the real essence of Islam would easily convert into Islam. It's just the continuity. If we agree that all the books are from the same god, then the Quran is latest update ☺️ but hey if you are still happy with the iPhone 3.... 😉 If you know what I Mean 😄
MoSani
76
Happy for Pogba may Allah increase us all in faith, Allah is the controller of the hearts, May Allah keep our hearts on Islam till we die and meet Allah, As a Muslim you pray 5times a day found the will of Allah like, seeking forgiveness for sins, given charity, fasting, preaching peace to others and living peacefully with others. Alhamdulillah for Islam and all the gift of Allah hmHas given on to us, good health, faith and the likes, May Allah bless us all Pogbaa as they hate Allah is our guide and shield
Wiabiknosy
45
Pogba was never a Christian. Your name can suggest Christianity but in practice and reality you are not. This was the case with Pogba, he was never a Christian, so let him be. No true Christian who knows Christ, born of water and blood, converts to another region.
Neyceimnt
42
Allah is fake. Prophet Mohammad was a pedo. Muslims are like a virus. All they do is replicate after invading new countries and cause widespread destruction over the globe. Christianity is for fools but atleast they don't become terrorists. Fck u pogba, u do everything apart from playing football
dipeituz
33
The real truth is that Pogba was never a christian bearing a christian name does not make you are follower of Christ that was why he was carried away by fake informations and persuations from his friends because he was ignorant of the WORD ,as you said thinking of after life,good but you have taken the wrong path that will lead you nowhere than hell because CHRIST is the only way to heaven not Islam neither mohammed ,sorry you were just bearing Paul without fellowshiping with believers nor reading your bible in order to know the truth ,you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free, Christ is the way the truth and life ,mind you now before it is late pogba.