PAUL POGBA flew his London barber out to Russia for a 24-hour whistle-stop stay that saw 12 other France internationals line up for a trim.
Ahmed Alsanawi, commonly known as A Star Barbers, spent 18 hours at France’s World Cup training base in Moscow, from 8.30am on Wednesday to the small hours of Thursday morning.
The 26-year-old, who owns a small barber shop in Chessington, Surrey, was based in the Hilton Garden Inn’s giant gymnasium where he shaped up Les Blues, before returning to London.
“Paul sorted it out,” Ansanawi told SunSport.
Among the weights and treadmills, a queue began to form. Alsanawi ended up with 13 members of the France national team in his chair.
From Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembélé to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe.
“It’s networking,” Alsanawi said. “You meet other players as well.”
“Kylian has a simple style,” the self-taught barber said.
“It’s like one level all over with shape up. I tried to get him to have a skin fade but he said no.
“I tried to get him to change it for a better look but it’s what he likes and you do what they want.”
Alsanawi decided to return home to work in his newly-opened shop rather than stay in Russia.
But he’s waiting by the phone.
“I’ll be going back again for the France team, the Belgium team, maybe Nigeria and maybe the England team,” Alsanawi said.
“I’m talking with Ruben Loftus-Cheek; it’s just whenever they call you.”
He’s also in talks with Pogba about a new style.
France beat Australia in their opening game and can progress from Group C with a win over Peru on Thursday.
The Sun Football
