Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has admitted he cannot believe Manchester United allowed midfielder Paul Pogba to leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2012.
Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and many others continue to be linked with the ₤70 million-rated Frenchman if he leaves Juventus this summer, and his teammate Pirlo remains shocked that United ever let him get away.
"When he arrived, we didn't really know that much about him as a player, but it soon became clear how special he was," .
"I remember the players were almost in disbelief. We couldn't believe a club like Manchester United had let a player this good go. He has become the best young central midfield player in Europe, I am sure they regret it every day.
"Sir Alex Ferguson had so much success as Manchester United manager and made very few bad decisions, but letting Pogba leave was one of them."
Meanwhile, Pirlo has spoken about his decisions to turn down lucrative moves to Real Madrid and Chelsea during his career, and insists he has no regrets after spending his entire career in Italy's Serie A.
"I could have joined Real Madrid and Chelsea, but I have no regrets," Pirlo stated. "Real Madrid are biggest club in the world, but when I look at all the success I had at Milan and now Juventus, I really don't have any regrets at all."
Pirlo is eager to end this season in glorious fashion by winning a third Champions League title, with his Juventus side holding a from the first leg as they travel to face Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
"We have a lead going to Madrid, but it's a small one. We're going to have to be at our very best," he added.
"Real Madrid will want to retain their trophy and I know how much experience Carlo Ancelotti has in big European games. He's an expert in Europe, and if we want to be in Berlin [for the final on June 6] we must be at the very top of our game.
"Berlin has a very special place in my heart. It's where I won the World Cup and now I want to win the Champions League there. We know we're not favourites, but you do not always need to be in football.
"Juventus are back competing at the very highest level, and a Champions League win would be a dream for the fans, for the club, and for me personally."
Use a to add a comment, subject to Facebook's and Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms.