'I fell into depression' - Paul Pogba lifts lid on life at Man Utd under Jose Mourinho and admits he 'didn't understand what was happening'

Pogba returned to Man Utd in 2016 and spent six years back at Old Trafford following his initial spell in the Red Devils academy. The Frenchman built his reputation at Juventus before making the switch back to England, where he was initially viewed as a superstar before his relationship with then-United boss Jose Mourinho turned sour. The midfielder now admits he did not understand why he fell down the pecking order under Mourinho, which led to him becoming depressed.

Speaking to GQ Magazine following the end of his doping ban and pending return to football, Pogba said: "I didn't understand. I was a player with a big role in the team, and suddenly, I found myself on the bench. I couldn't speak, there was no communication. I wasn't happy, and a football player who isn't happy can't perform well. I fell into depression without even realizing it. Because no one teaches us what depression is. Until I started having holes in my scalp. I didn't understand what it was. They told me it was stress."

Mourinho spent over two years in charge at Man Utd and steered the club to silverware, winning the Europa League and League Cup during his stint. However, his relationship with Pogba was often at the centre of attention, souring the mood around the Red Devils camp and eventually leading to both departing Old Trafford. The World Cup winner re-joined Juventus as a free agent in 2022, but would later fail a doping test and be banned for an initial four years before seeing that punishment reduced on appeal.

Everyone has been waiting to see what Pogba's next move will be now that he is free to play at the top level again. Rumours of a move to MLS or even a return to Man Utd have been floated, but the 32-year-old has so far kept his cards close to his chest.