sport news How Adrien Rabiot has become the heartbeat of France's midfield at this year's ... trends now

It was only a few months ago when Manchester United fans rejoiced at news that a potential transfer for Adrien Rabiot had collapsed. 

Now, just months later, the 27-year-old has been described as 'a complete midfielder' by national team boss Didier Deschamps. In the absence of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, Rabiot has thrived in France's World Cup campaign. 

His performances beg the question, how did such a supremely talented player end up with such a controversial reputation - both on and off the pitch? 

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the maverick midfielder, his mother-turned-agent Veronique and the impressive turnaround that he's made in half a year.

It was in August when Rabiot was referred to as a 'failed signing' from Fabio Paratici's time as Juventus sporting director.

Brought in from French giants PSG on a free transfer - with 18 major titles under his belt - the midfielder had been tipped to be a huge success for the Old Lady. 

But three seasons and 127 appearances later and Juventus were willing to part ways with him for just £15million - having provided zero goals and two assists during last year's campaign.

Man United were interested in his services and, after agreeing a fee, it should've been plain sailing to finalise details with the midfielder. But, as United quickly found out, negotiations with Rabiot and his team seldom go smoothly.

The Red Devils eventually pulled out of the deal after failing to agree personal terms with the midfielder, who had demanded an extraordinary salary to join the club.

Enter Veronique - Rabiot's mother and agent - who took charge of his career after his father, Michel Provost, suffered a stroke in 2007 that left him with locked-in syndrome. 

Wherever Adrien has gone, Veronique has not been far behind. In 2012, when PSG were planning on a mid-season trip to Qatar, she insisted that she should be allowed to accompany the squad.

'From a very young age, she followed me everywhere, in England, in the south of France. She has an important place. Agents aren't really her thing and for now, she doesn't think it's necessary,' the midfielder said on his mother.

Though he's seen as a supremely talented midfielder, it appears his - and his mother's - attitude has proved costly to both his domestic and international career. 

Veronique took centre stage during France's Euro 2020 campaign after they crashed out on penalties to Switzerland in the round of 16.

Afterwards, an extraordinary video emerged of Veronique confronting Kylian Mbappe's father, Wilfried, after the PSG striker missed the decisive spot-kick.

It is thought she said: 'It is embarrassing how he struck that, for a player of his level. He hit it too lightly, I hope you are going to scold him.'

Apparently during an earlier discussion, Veronique told Wilfried his son was 'arrogant', has a 'big head' and gets 'too much protection from the press.'

It seemed that bridges were being burnt at every turn and that a return to the France national team - let alone a World Cup opportunity - was impossible for her son.

In 2018, Rabiot asked to be taken off the list of reserve players for the World Cup in Russia and France coach Deschamps indeed dropped him from the

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