Paul Pogba
Football professional speaks openly about his depression
In a new interview, professional footballer Paul Pogba talks about difficult times
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In a new interview, professional footballer Paul Pogba talks about the difficult time under coach Mourinho and about depression.
Soccer star Paul Pogba (29) spoke about depression in an interview. Opposite “Le Figaro” said the Frenchman that he had already suffered from the disease in his career. “But we don’t talk about it,” said Pogba.
It all started for him when he played under coach José Mourinho (59) in Manchester. “You ask yourself questions, you ask yourself if it’s your fault because you’ve never experienced moments like this in your life,” Pogba now recalls.
There had been issues between Mourinho and Pogba, who worked together from 2016 to 2018. After criticizing the footballer, the manager said coldly in a press conference in April last year: “I don’t care what he says. I couldn’t care less.” He also dismissed the player as vice-captain at the time.
“You can’t say it”
The 29-year-old says today about his depression: “Sometimes you don’t know that you’re depressed, you just want to isolate yourself, be all alone. Those are clear signs.” You are judged every three days, “although you have worries like everyone,” said Pogba. “But you can’t say it, at least not publicly. If you don’t have a thick skin mentally, you’re dead in this sport.”
Pogba had switched to Manchester United for the record transfer fee of 105 million euros. Pogba also reminds in the interview that money does not protect you from difficult moments in life. “We’re not superheroes, we’re just people.”
Help with depression and suicidal thoughts is available from the telephone counseling service on the free number: 0800/111 0 111