Gianluca Zambrotta does not believe that losing Paul Pogba would be a disaster for Juventus, arguing that selling the midfielder to Manchester United for a world-record fee would enable them to buy two or three "other champions" - just as they did with the proceeds from the sale of Zinedine Zidane 15 years ago.
Pogba has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the world since joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer from the Red Devils in 2012, with the France international having played a key role in the Old Lady's last four Serie A title triumphs.
However, United are reportedly ready to pay €120 million (£100m) to bring the 23-year-old back to Old Trafford this summer and while Juve have thus far rejected all offers for their most prized possession, Zambrotta is quick to point out that Pogba's departure would raise a huge amount of money for strengthening Massimiliano Allegri's squad.
"I remember when I was playing with Juventus and Zinedine Zidane was there," the former Juventus full-back said of another famous French No.10 in an exclusive interview with Goal.
"They sold him to Real Madrid for a record fee and with this money they bought [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Lilian] Thuram and [Pavel] Nedved.
"So, even if Juventus have to sell Pogba, they could buy other champions."
Juve won back-to-back Scudetti following Zidane's €75m (£45.6m) move to the Santiago Bernabeu, as well as reaching the final of the 2003 Champions League.
Zambrotta also lifted the 2006 World Cup during his stellar playing career and was a keen observer as his native Italy attempted to win Euro 2016 in France this summer.
The Azzurri ultimately fell short, losing on penalties to Germany in the quarter-finals, but the 39-year-old was extremely proud of a squad that had racked up impressive wins over Belgium and Spain en route to the last eight.
"Italy had a great European Championship and it's a shame that they went out on penalties," lamented Zambrotta.
However, the tournament convinced Zambrotta that Italy boss Antonio Conte will do great things at new club Chelsea.
"He's is a great coach," enthused the former Barcelona defender, who has just taken charge of Indian side Delhi Dynamos. "He's a really good motivator and also very good tactically."
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