Cape Town - Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Toni Silva says he once spoke to Paul Pogba as he wanted help to make a return to European football.

Silva left Sundowns under a cloud to join Egypt's Al Ittihad as he left a parting message to coach Pitso Mosimane accusing the mentor of not treating him fairly.

The Guinea-Bissau international, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, was on the junior books of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea but didn't reach the senior level.

He told BBC Sport of his interaction with the Manchester United star: "I used to speak with Paul Pogba when he was at Juventus and he was trying to help put me in touch with a better agent and with some clubs.

"But it didn't work out. The problem is I have never had someone in my life to help me, to guide me, to give me direction and show me the way. Agents have taken advantage of me and I've had some terrible moves because agents were chasing money, not looking after me.

"I'm just trying to play football to support my family but I'm not sure how much longer I can take it. I really want to play in England again and this is keeping me going. I miss it so much and would do anything to play there.

"I think I am still playing now because of what English football taught me. To be tough, to be strong, and to fight. I try to remember this.

"It is normal to get frustrated, but I will keep trying. Still, maybe just two or three years more may be enough for me.

"I feel I let myself down somehow, but I honestly don't know what more I could have done. I get frustrated because I thought I deserved a chance and if I had got that opportunity, who knows where I could be now?

"I loved playing for Liverpool but now when I watch Suarez play at Barca, Sterling at City and even Conor Coady at Wolves, I sometimes feel like I just want to give it all up.

"When people are texting me saying 'that could have been you', it makes me want to leave football. It makes me feel so down, so sad. I always have this in my mind."