In this new podcast series, LifeTimes, our leading writers have stepped away from the heat of the action to speak in-depth to some of the most famous athletes on the planet - starting in episode one with footballer Paul Pogba.

The France World Cup-winner and £89 million Manchester United midfielder sits down at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan to discuss everything from his on-pitch achievements and the importance of his faith to the criticism he receives over his body language and choice of haircuts. Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss an episode.

This episode is hosted by The Times Chief Sports Writer Matt Dickinson and produced by Lucy Lavery, it is a Times Sport production, to discover more of our award winning journalism visit www.thetimes.co.uk/sport

Search LifeTimes on your favourite podcast app and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out on the next five episodes with sports biggest stars coming soon!

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France 2019 is in full swing and Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and former Lioness Claire Rafferty to pore over the opening weekend’s action.

England edge past Scotland in front of a record TV audience. How significant is that for the women’s game? Phil Neville’s team are given a helping hand by VAR. What repercussions will the new handball rule have on training? Plus why Neville’s unhappiness is a good thing and the story behind that waistcoat.

The tournament’s proving to be big in the UK but how big is it in France? The hosts are in imperious form thanks to the competition’s tallest player. Will Norway stand in their way?

Also, can the Germans be got at and are the Brazilians just too old?

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With the World Cup kicking off on Friday, Natalie Sawyer is joined by former England star Claire Rafferty, as well as Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Matt Dickinson from the Times to preview arguably the most high-profile tournament in the history of women’s football.

It almost came home last summer but will it finally be coming home for England? Can Phil Neville lead the Lionesses to glory? And what impact will the World Cup have on future generations? Will the harshest critics of the women’s game take the tournament to their heart?

If it’s not to be England, who are the teams and players to watch? Can six-time World Player of the Year Marta finally lift the game’s richest prize? Will it be a World Cup double for the French?

The Game will bring you podcasts twice a week throughout the tournament, featuring some of The Times’ finest writers out in France.

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For those suffering Gab Marcotti withdrawal symptoms, we have a treat for you. And indeed a treat for Gab, as he sits down for a chat with one of his favourite writers, the northern sports correspondent for The Times – George Caulkin.

Gab and George discuss how press coverage of football has changed, the significance of football in the North East and of course, the current disconnect between fans and club at Newcastle United.

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It’s the last ever Game podcast for one Gabriele Marcotti. And there are plenty lining up to pay tribute to the man who has made this podcast his own.

On the agenda this week, the Champions League final as Liverpool lift their 6th European Cup after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. They showed nous and it may have been Alisson’s 27th clean sheet of the season but did the Reds even defend that well?

From the Spurs side of things, it was a case of what might have been. Was Mauricio Pochettino right to start Harry Kane? Did Poch have enough up his sleeve tactically? And where next for Tottenham’s in-demand manager?

The Europa League trophy was lifted by Chelsea in Baku last week. But will it prove to be Maurizio Sarri’s last act as manager at Stamford Bridge?

And with the Nations League finals just around the corner, we ask just how seriously should Gareth Southgate and England be taking this trophy?

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Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer bring you a special bumper look ahead to the Champions League final and Europa League final, in the company of Oli Kay, Paul Joyce, Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant.

Liverpool and Tottenham get ready to do battle in the biggest club game in European football on Saturday night. Will Firmino and Kane make it for Madrid? How can Tottenham stop the Reds’ rampaging full-backs? And would Mauricio Pochettino leave Spurs on the highest of highs if he was victorious on Saturday?

The first final featuring all-English clubs is on Wednesday night. Oli is among those boarding several flights to Baku, as controversy continues to reign around the Europa League final venue. We discuss the absence of Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the future of Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.

Plus we debate whether Petr Cech’s reported summer move to a directorial role at Chelsea represents such a conflict of interests that he should not be picked in goal for the Gunners. And what will be Mesut Ozil’s legacy?

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Natalie Sawyer introduces a special one hour documentary from talkSPORT looking back at Manchester United's amazing treble winning season. You'll hear how;

- The United board wondered if Fergie had taken his eye off the ball

- Martin Edwards asked Fergie to cut short his holiday and return for talks

- the players placed demands on their coaches.

Featuring Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole, Steve McClaren and Martin Edwards.

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Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Alan Smith after a historic weekend in English football.

Manchester City equal the biggest FA Cup final win ever with a 6-0 victory over Watford at Wembley, becoming the first English men’s team to complete the domestic treble. But Pep Guardiola is forced to answer some difficult questions about finances while certain fans feel City aren’t getting the credit they deserve. Will City ever truly be embraced, even with the wonderful football they play?

On the pitch, we discuss Vincent Kompany’s legacy at City after his decision to become player-manager at Anderlecht and the role of City assistant Mikel Arteta, a pivotal figure as revealed by Paul Hirst’s behind the scenes story of the season in The Times.

Gareth Bale appears to have played his last game for Real Madrid after failing to acknowledge the fans after the final match of the season. Who could possibly afford him? Is the narrative of Bale being mistreated a bit wide of the mark? Does Bale need to act like Arjen Robben?

And there are managerial movers in the form of Allegri, Potter and Pulis.

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Less football but no fewer football talking points for Gab Marcotti, Natalie Sawyer, Oli Kay and Bill Edgar to pore over.

Manchester City look to complete the domestic treble with an FA Cup final win as we examine the historical significance of that feat. Are they the greatest team we’ve ever seen. Or are Watford, and manager Javi Gracia, better equipped to upset City than many think?

Both Guardiola and Gracia will be joined in the Premier League by another up and coming English manager in the form of Dean Smith or Frank Lampard. Aston Villa play Derby in the Championship play-off final. What do the panel make of Lampard’s first season in management?

And with Antoine Griezmann announcing he is leaving Atletico Madrid this summer, possibly for the Nou Camp, what are the knock-on effects for Premier League clubs in terms of players Barcelona would have to let go? Does it accelerate Eden Hazard’s departure from Stamford Bridge? Or Wilfried Zaha from Selhurst Park?

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The most relentless title race in Premier League history is over. Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Paul Hirst and James Gheerbrant to determine where the trophy was won.

Manchester City become the first team in a decade to retain the Premier League title, sealing the championship on the final day. Have Liverpool done well to keep the gap to just a point? Do Liverpool have a more limited squad than City? Do City create more chances? And for Jurgen Klopp, how do you possibly improve on a 97-point season?

We discuss the sacking of Chris Hughton as Brighton manager, where James proves himself to be as merciless as Tony Bloom. Will a more progressive manager get the best out of Brighton’s buys?

There’s a bumper quick hits on every other Premier League club. We’re expecting big things for Bournemouth and Wolves if they have a good summer. Plus there’s seagulls and grasshoppers in their underwear.

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