Manchester United star Paul Pogba has opened up about his six-year battle with depression and self-doubt.
The France midfielder has made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 39 goals, following a £89million move from Serie A giants Juventus in August 2016.
However, he revealed he has still lacked confidence at times in his career, despite winning the World Cup in 2018.
And Pogba, 29, said it all began when Jose Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford.
The pair had an increasingly strained relationship during their time working together, with Mourinho calling Pogba ‘a virus’ in front of his teammates after a 2-2 draw with Southampton.
Pogba told La Figaro: “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.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
Reuters / Darren Staples
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“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.”
While the French international has also spoken about seeking help from mentor Patrice Evra when he was feeling at his absolute lowest.
He added: “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.
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“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 revealed why he feels more comfortable playing for the French national team as he understands the role he needs to play under Didier Deschamps which isn’t exactly the case with Ralf Rangnick.
He continued: “The coach [Deschamps] and I get along very well.
“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.”
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