Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has opened up about feeling depressed and also alleges he was depressed during the tenure of former coach Jose Mourinho.
It is well documented that Pogba and Mourinho didn’t always get along especially in the latter stages of the Portuguese stint at Old Trafford.
Pogba re-signed for United for a then world record fee of £89m in 2016, the same summer Mourinho took over from Louis van Gaal.
Mourinho stripped Pogba of the vice-captaincy in September 2018 and vowed the Frenchman would never captain his side due to off-field issues.
However, shortly after, the Portuguese was sacked after a poor run of results at the club.
Pogba has now opened up to feeling depressed at various points in his career and was quick to point out the Mourinho era as a particular reference period.
“I’ve experienced depression many times in my career, but you don’t talk about it,” he told La Figaro.
“Sometimes, you don’t know you’re depressed, you only want to isolate yourself, be alone, and these are signs that don’t deceive.
“Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho in Manchester,” Pogba revealed. “You ask yourself questions, wonder if you’re at fault, because you have never lived moments like these in your life.
“I don’t want these negative moments to make me forget all my achievements, but it’s not necessarily easy.”
The 29-year-old said talking to other players about it helps and has become important in the way he deals with depression.
“And when you can’t do it all alone I talk a lot with ‘Uncle Pat’ [Evra], former players who lived it, because they’ll understand you right away.
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“Talking, being listened to, getting out all this anger and depression that gnaws at you, it’s mandatory for me.
“Of course, we earn a lot of money and we can’t complain, really, but it doesn’t stop you from going through these moments.
“Just like everyone in life, some moments are more difficult than others.
“Because you earn money, you should always be happy? That’s not how life is. But, in football, it’s not accepted, even though we’re not superheroes, only human beings.”
Pogba also took a swipe at Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick, stating he doesn’t know what his role at the club was.
“The coach [Didier Deschamps] and I get along very well,” said Pogba, who is in a camp with France ahead of friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa.
“He gave me a role that I know, but at Manchester United, do I really have a role? I’m asking the question and I don’t know the answer.”
Pogba always seems to enjoy playing with France than he does with Man United. However, he has managed nine assists in the Premier League so far this season, the highest amongst his teammates despite his lengthy injury lay off.
There are several sources linking him with a move away from the club when his contract expires in the summer having refused to sign a contract extension.
Juventus, Real Madrid and two other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder if he ends up leaving on a free transfer.
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