Opinion: Paul Pogba's depression discussion should force change in how we view sports stars

Paul Pogba is the latest big-name athlete to speak candidly about mental health and depression while trying to perform at an elite level. The Manchester United midfielder has opened up while on international duty with France revealing his struggles began during a testing period at Old Trafford.

Ad/> «I’ve had depression in my career, but we don't talk about it,” he told Le Figaro. „Sometimes you don’t know you are, you just want to isolate yourself, be alone.

These are unmistakable signs. Premier LeaguePogba: I've had depression since Mourinho fall-out7 HOURS AGO “Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho at United.

You ask yourself questions, you wonder if you are at fault because you have never experienced these moments in your life.” The Frenchman was one of Mourinho’s first signings at Old Trafford in 2016 but things evidentially turned sour between the pair, culminating in a training ground disagreement that was caught by the cameras in the weeks leading up to the Portuguese manager’s sacking in 2018. Pogba’s time at United hasn’t exactly been one of glittering success with injuries and indifferent form, as well as very vocal pronouncements from his agent Mino Raiola about his client wanting to leave the club.

Add that to United's continued on-pitch failings, and the club’s record signing is often seen as a lightning rod for criticism when things go wrong. How 'awkward' Man Utd target Ten Hag transformed Ajax — Inside Europe Ibrahimovic: I feel panic at the thought of retirement Man Utd speak to Ten Hag as manager search hots up There is a long-standing internet meme featuring Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness which captures the Liverpool legend snarling, mid-rant with the radial blur effect around his