Paul Pogba experienced depression during Jose Mourinho’s tenure
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba said he suffered from depression during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba has opened up about his mental health during the past few yearsThe French international lost the vice-captaincy and had a fractious relationship with the Portuguese during his spell at the club.
Speaking to La Figaro, Pogba said, "I've experienced depression many times in my career, but you don't talk about it.
"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. You ask yourself questions, wonder if you're at fault, because you have never lived moments like these in your life."
Pogba joined United for a second time for a then-world record fee of £89million in the summer of 2016, at roughly the same time that Mourinho started managing the club.
Their relationship started strongly, with United winning the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, but things deteriorated during the following campaign.
In late September 2018, Pogba was told he would never captain United again during Mourinho’s tenure, which turned out to be short-lived as he was sacked that December.
Pogba said Patrice Evra was key in helping him.
He continued, "I don't want these negative moments to make me forget all my achievements, but it's not necessarily easy.
"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.
"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."
Pogba’s contract runs out this summer and there is still uncertainty over the role he plays at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, with interim Ralf Rangnick stepping down at the end of the season, United are currently in the process of looking for a new manager, who may or may not want to keep the Frenchman on.