Pogba supporting landmine victims in Afghanistan

Paul Pogba will hand over the now annual UEFA donation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before the Juventus-Bayern UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg match on 23 February.

Voted into the UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2015, Juventus' French international midfielder has welcomed this opportunity to support the ICRC, whose UEFA-backed initiative assists landmine victims in Afghanistan with prosthetic fittings, physiotherapy and of course football. Indeed, a football team has been set up at the ICRC rehabilitation centre in Kabul to help patients strengthen their bodies and rebuild their self-esteem. Pogba went beyond the call of duty by engaging directly with the ICRC players, including via Skype.

In an exclusive interview, the 22-year-old Pogba also gave his thoughts on several topics including being voted into the UEFA.com users' Team of the Year, socially aware footballers, and soccer as a vehicle for personal development.

Click on the video player above to watch the full exclusive interview

UEFA.com: Why do you support the ICRC rehabilitation programme in Afghanistan?

Paul Pogba: It is an honour for me to be chosen and to take part in this initiative. This shows us once again how lucky we are – we are able to play football, we are healthy. I am really touched to be doing this and I want to thank the ICRC. When I play football I think a lot about these people, because when you are off the pitch life goes on, you are a normal person. We are incredibly lucky and we have to realise that.

UEFA.com: How has football helped you build your identity and confidence?

Pogba: Football has always helped me to realise my dreams. I have a winning mentality, I like to win. If I am upset, or if something is not right in my private life, then football puts a smile back on my face. I am in love with football, I enjoy it. It always helps me in my everyday life. As people say: it is the love of my life.