Paul Pogba has opened up on his Manchester United struggles this season and declared a week away with France as a 'breath of fresh air'.
On the evidence of the first few weeks of the 2020-21 campaign, the 27-year-old appears to have lost the faith of his manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
Pogba has started just half of United's games in the Premier League and Champions League so far, and was left out of the crucial visit to Everton that preceded the international break.
And he has now spoken candidly about his situation at Old Trafford, admitting it has been a relief to report for national team duty.
"I had never known such a difficult period in my career," he told RTL.
"The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it's magic."
Last week, France boss Didier Deschamps offered sympathy to Pogba for the tricky situation he finds himself in at club level.
"He is in a situation with his club where he cannot be happy, neither with his playing time nor with the position he is playing," he said.
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"He is not in his best period, he has had a series of injuries and Covid-19, which has hit him quite hard. He needs to find his rhythm.
"We can't say that he is fulfilled in what he does at club level. With me, there is no such concern, but I try to manage it too.
"When a player is not comfortable at his club, obviously, he is happy to play for the France team."
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