Manchester United's Paul Pogba has bravely opened up on the fact he's battled depression during his career.
The midfielder became the world's most expensive player when he re-joined United from Juventus for £89million back in 2016. His second coming at the club, however, has seen him receive regular criticism and he is now set to become a free agent in the summer.
Pogba has now revealed that he has battled with depression during stages of his playing career. In an open and honest interview with Le Figaro, Pogba discussed the challenge of facing up to reality and the "unmistakable signs" of just wanting to isolate.
"I've had depression in my career, but we don't talk about it, "Pogba declared. "Sometimes you don't know you are, you just want to isolate yourself, be alone, these are unmistakable signs."
After leaving Manchester United as a youngster, Pogba enjoyed a rapid rise at Juventus, flourishing in a hugely successful outfit. He played in a Champions League final and claimed plenty of honours with the Serie A giants before he eventually returned to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho was the man to sign him but Pogba was tasked with being a marquee name in a side desperately looking to make their way back to the top. The Frenchman has claimed just three honours with the Premier League club - but none since 2017.
This term Pogba has worked under another manager in Ralf Rangnick, who is in interim charge at Old Trafford. Reports have claimed the 29-year-old has been impressed with the German and his methods as the club chase the top four but his departure in the summer is still expected with PSG, Real Madrid and Juventus all possible destinations.
At international level though Pogba has been able to showcase his talent, scoring in the 2018 World Cup final as France claimed global success. He endured a horrific event recently however as robbers raided his house and stole his World Cup winners medal whilst his family were in the property.
Pogba revealed: “I am ok, my family too. I had quite a surprising week, with the Champions’ League match where I learned that I am not going to play and, when I went home, I discovered that my home was robbed following the entry of three people who stole my safe.
"There was my mother’s jewellery in there, my World Cup medal… What scared me the most, is that my two children were at home with the nanny during the incident. She heard everything, called my wife and security, then locked herself with the boys (aged 1 and 2) in a room. For several days after, she was in shock. The most important thing is that my children are doing fine.”
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