French footballer, Paul Pogba, has shared his challenging experience with injuries since returning to Serie A club, Juventus, from Manchester United in the English Premier League.
Shortly after rejoining Juventus in 2022, Pogba suffered a knee injury during their pre-season tour in the United States.
Following surgery in September, Pogba was sidelined until late February 2023. He managed to make a few appearances before encountering a muscle issue during training. Although he recovered from that setback and returned in May 2023, he was forced to end his season prematurely due to a hamstring problem.
Speaking to French outlet Views, the 30-year-old Pogba revealed that his injury struggles have taken a toll on him, stating that he has "aged 10 years in 7 months."
In his own words:
"For me, I focus more on constructive criticism because there will always be negative opinions. But I don't dwell on that. Today, I am a professional footballer because of the sport I play, and it's the same sport that has brought me to where I am now.
"I changed clubs and dealt with injuries. It's true that it was challenging, both on and off the field. However, I realized that health, playing football, and family were the most important things for me. I learned to prioritize these aspects and focus on them wholeheartedly.
"Returning to the field in good health is vital for everyone, especially athletes. My body is my tool for work, and the greatest luxury in life is good health."
"These recent months have contributed significantly to my growth. They have taught me many things about life. I feel like I have aged ten years! Yes, ten years in just seven months. But, as I mentioned, I view it all in a positive light," Pogba added.
"As a person of faith, I consider these challenges and tests. They have helped me mature, gain insights, and understand the true essence of life. I learned what truly matters. So, I approached these situations with a positive mindset, and they have truly shaped me. Now, all of that is behind me. It has been a transformative journey."
When asked if the media scrutiny surrounding him affected his physical well-being, Pogba acknowledged the impact, saying:
"Absolutely, it does. Everything starts in the mind. When your mental state isn't good, it affects your body. Even if you say, 'Yeah, it will be fine,' as a football player, it takes its toll