Paul Pogba joined forces with former Manchester United defender, Eric Bailly, for humanitarian work in the Ivory Coast.

The ex-French international was seen with Bailly, cheerfully giving back to society while touring the latter’s childhood neighbourhood.

Pogba, currently entangled in a legal bаttle to clear his nаme after being banned for testing positive for high testosterone, said the gesture in the West African nation “gave him joy in his heart.”

In photos shared on Instagram, the 31-year-old and Bailly, a native of the Ivory Coast, were seen at various locations performing charity work and bringing smiles to the faces of underprivileged children.

The 2018 World Cup winner is familiar with the African continent. Over the past few years, he has frequently visited Guinea, his parents’ homeland, as cited by Africa News.

Before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which Ivory Coast won, Pogba visited the Guinea team camp and offered messages of encouragement and wisdom to the players, Afrique Sports reports.

Paul Pogba claims he doesn’t ‘exist anymore’

While the former Manchester United midfielder brought joy to some of the underprivileged Bailly’s country, he stunned the football world with a concerning update, declaring that he “doesn’t exist anymore,” as reported by Sports Brief.

In his statement, the 2018 World Cup winner suggested that the footballer who once mesmerised fans with his skill and flair is gone, stating that it is over.

Pogba’s comments imply he may not return to professional football when his four-year ban ends if his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport fails to overturn the ruling.