Paul Pogba of Manchester United, claims he was depressed after a falling out with Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s tenure at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old France midfielder had a tense relationship with Mourinho and was relieved of his vice-captaincy in September 2018.
In December 2018, Mourinho was fired as United manager.
He told La Figaro, “I’ve had depression several times in my career, but you don’t talk about it.”
“Sometimes you don’t realize you’re depressed; all you want to do is isolate yourself and be alone, and these are telltale indications.”
“For me, it started when I was in Manchester with Jose Mourinho. You ask yourself questions and wonder if you’re to blame because you’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
Paul Pogba returned to United in 2016 for a then-world-record £89 million, the same summer Mourinho took over as manager from Louis van Gaal.
Under the former Chelsea manager, he helped United win the League Cup and the Europa League in 2017, but their relationship worsened at the start of the next season.
Mourinho reportedly warned Pogba that he would never lead the team again under his guidance due to worries over his attitude, before sacking him two months later following a string of dismal results.
Paul Pogba claims that focusing on his family and talking to former players who had also struggled with depression, like as Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra, helped him deal.
“I don’t want these unpleasant situations to make me forget all of my accomplishments,” he continued, “but it’s not always easy.”
“And when you can’t do it all by yourself, I talk a lot with ‘Uncle Pat’ [Evra], past players who have experienced it firsthand, because they will understand you right away.”
“Talking, being listened to, and letting out all that gnawing rage and depression is a must for me.”
“Of course, we make a lot of money and can’t really complain, but that doesn’t stop you from having these feelings.”
“Some moments in life are more tough than others, just like in life for everyone.”
“Do you think you should always be pleased because you make money?” That isn’t how life works. But, even though we’re not superheroes, only human beings, it’s not acceptable in football.”
Unlike the national team under Didier Deschamps, the midfielder believes he is unsure of his place in the Red Devils squad.
“The coach [Deschamps] and I get along extremely well,” Pogba stated from France’s training camp ahead of friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa.
“He assigned me a role that I am familiar with, but do I truly have a role at Manchester United?” I’m the one who’s asking the question, and I have no idea what the answer is.”
Pogba’s World Cup medal was taken after his home was broken into.
When intruders entered into Pogba’s home, he claims they stole his World Cup winner’s medal.
When his home was broken into during his team’s Champions League game against Atletico Madrid last week, he described it as his “family’s greatest nightmare.”
His two small children, as well as their caregiver, were present at the time.
“The most important thing is that my kids are fine,” he stated.
“There were jewels from my mum, my world champion medal,” Pogba said of what was taken.
“The fact that my two children were at home with the nanny throughout this occurrence terrified me the most.”
“She listened in on everything, contacted my wife and security, and then shut herself in a room with the boys.” She was stunned for several days.”
