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Paul Pogba: Lionel Messi isn't criticised for playing style, but critics won't change me

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has said criticism of his personality and style of play will not make him change.

Pogba recorded 10 assists in the Premier League last season -- bettered only by the Manchester City quartet of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling -- but has found his place in the France team questioned ahead of the World Cup.

In a poll run by France Football following the 3-1 friendly win over Italy, 73 percent said they wanted to see Pogba dropped by coach Didier Deschamps in favour of Bayern Munich's Corentin Tolisso.

"A lot of people are proud of what I do and what I represent," he told France Football. "When they meet me in person, they're surprised and say to themselves I'm really nice.

"From the outside, they don't have that image and think I'm a star, arrogant, that I'm going to look down on them. It's funny. In fact, I'm just me. Those who don't know me look only at appearances.

"There will always be people who think: 'Ah, he's a bighead, ah, he shows off,' and everyone has the right to their opinion. You have the right to criticise me -- to speak. But that's not going to change me."

On his style of play, Pogba added: "I have always been like that. What I have won, I have won by being like that. I'm like that. It's my playing style. You're not going to criticise [Lionel] Messi when he walks on the pitch. He scores three goals and you're going to say: 'Ah, but he walks on the pitch?' No.

"People can't tell me how I have to play. No-one can tell me how I have to play. If I'm in this position today, it's by being like this. No one has told me how to be. It's my football, that's all. People either love it or not.

"Do I need that for people to love me? Do I need that for people to judge me differently? Or speak better of me?"

In February, United boss Jose Mourinho appeared to aim a dig at Pogba when he praised Scott McTominay for being "a humble kid."

"Honestly I think Scott deserves more than what he's getting," Mourinho said. "I think maybe because he's this kind of kid profile, a normal haircut, no tattoos, no big cars, no big watches."

Pogba faced criticism in April when Gary Neville questioned his decision to start the derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium with blue hair.

"The problem with Pogba is he doesn't help himself," former United and England defender Neville said. "I always think if you're wise you don't attract attention when things aren't going your way, but Pogba doesn't work like that."

Pogba scored twice as United fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and postpone City's title celebrations.