I suffered depression when Mourinho was Man Utd boss – Man Utd player claims
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed he struggled with depression when Jose Mourinho was Manchester United boss.
Pogba, 29, had a difficult relationship with Mourinho and lost the vice-captaincy in September 2018 before Mourinho was then sacked by the club in December 2018.
Pogba was interviewed by the French tabloid Le Figaro, and when asked whether he had experienced depression during his career, replied: “Completely, and several times in my career.
“I knew I was (depressed), but you don’t talk about it. Sometimes you don’t know you’re depressed. You just want to get away from everyone, to be alone. But those are unmistakable signs.
“Personally, it started when I was with José Mourinho in Manchester. You ask yourself questions. You wonder if it’s your fault, because you have never experienced moments like that before in your life.”
Pogba also added that talking to former players who also experienced depression, including former Manchester United and France team-mate Patrice Evra, helped him cope.
“I refocus on my family, my friends, and that desire to win matches or to progress does not go away despite everything,” he added.
“I don’t want negative moments to make me forget everything I’ve achieved, but it’s not necessarily easy and, when I can’t do it on my own, I talk a lot with ‘Tonton Pat’ (Patrice Evra), former players who have gone through this, because they will understand you immediately.
“My (psychologist) can be my best friend, my wife or my son. Talking, being listened to, bringing out all that rage and depression that’s eating away at you… I need all that.”