"Paul is a special character and he's very important for the team," Sagna, who played for France 65 times, told Sky Sports.
"He had a so-so season with Manchester United because he got a lot of criticism... People have to remember he is only a holding midfield player and he has orders from the manager.
"That's what he's been doing, but I'm looking forward to seeing him shining and he's going to shine."
France open their World Cup campaign against Australia on June 16 and also play Peru and Denmark in Group C.
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
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