By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
In a recent statement, footballer Paul Pogba shared his thoughts on the fleeting nature of friendships and the behavior of people in times of success.
Reflecting on his suspension, Pogba revealed that many of his old friends and former teammates had reached out to him after the suspension ended, asking which club he would join next.
Interestingly, these were the same people who had never contacted him during his suspension period.
Pogba noted, “When the suspension that was imposed on me ended, some friends and former teammates kept sending me messages, asking which club I would go to. These people never reached out to me during the entire period of my suspension. May God forgive them.”
He continued, drawing a broader lesson from his experience: “A wise person once said, ‘People will not join you in your struggles, but they will want to join you when your efforts lead to success.”‘
Pogba stated that in life, you may have to endure periods of hardship without the support of those around you.
However, when you achieve success or reach a certain level, people often reappear, eager to be a part of your accomplishments.
He cited several scenarios in which this happens, including when your fortunes fade, others acquire what you had, or when they surpass you in success.
He remarked that those who never showed up during your difficult times may still approach you for help when the tide turns in their favor.
“When someone has success in their life—whether in politics or another field—you will notice a sudden surge in the number of their followers and supporters. A person with fewer than 10,000 followers can see this number rise to over 30,000 in just two days after receiving political power in their area,” Pogba said.
He concluded with an important lesson: “You must learn to manage everyone and never make the mistake of cutting ties with anyone. People will often return when they need something from you, whether you’ve given them something or withheld it. One day, you may need their prayers in return.”