Paul Pogba: ‘I had depression but we don’t talk about it’

The French midfield star opens up on a topic that for the most part is still a taboo in professional sport. His most difficult period was under a famous coach.

Open words from a world champion. Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed in an interview that he was suffering from depression.

Speaking to the French daily Le Figaro, the 29-year-old said: “I’ve had depression in my career, but we don’t talk about it.” And further: “Sometimes you don’t know that you are depressed, you just want to isolate yourself, be alone, these are unmistakable signs.”

Pogba is currently being coached by Ralf Rangnick. He had the most difficult time under star coach José Mourinho: “For me personally, it started when I was in Manchester with José Mourinho. You ask yourself questions, you ask yourself whether it’s your fault because you’ve never had these moments in your life experienced.”

Pogba: “We’re not superheroes”

The 2018 world champion is certain: “All top athletes go through these moments, but few talk about it. You inevitably feel it in your body, in your head, and maybe there’s a month or even a year when you’re not feeling well . But you don’t have to say it. At least not publicly.”

There’s no question that footballers make a lot of money, “but that doesn’t stop us, like everyone else in life, from experiencing moments that are more difficult than others,” said Pogba. “We’re not superheroes, we’re just people.”