Paul Pogba has revealed the debilitating effect that contracting Covid-19 had on his fitness.
The Manchester United midfielder tested positive for coronavirus in August, forcing him out of the France squad and into quarantine.
MAILBOX: Solskjaer shouldn’t get ‘free ride’ after ‘awful’ Man Utd display
Pogba’s form clearly suffered in the early part of the season, culminating in United’s dismal 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham in which he conceded a penalty.
The 27-year-old had started just one Premier League match since that Old Trafford debacle, but he was thrust back into the line-up at West Ham on Saturday and responded with a stunning goal and a fine all-round display in their 3-1 win.
Asked how Covid-19 had affected him, Pogba told MUTV: “It’s strange, it’s hard to explain because you wouldn’t understand.
“Even in training, I would say to the fitness coach that I feel strange. It’s not me. I get tired very fast and I’m out of breath really fast.
“The first game of the season, I couldn’t run. I was trying. I spoke with the manager, ‘I will start the game and let’s see’, but I was very out of breath and it took me a long time to get back to my fitness and to get back physically good.
“It’s good to get back in the team, and to score this goal to help the team get back in the game, it’s very important for the team. I’m very happy for that.
“It’s such a difference. I’m finding my rhythm as well. I feel so much better, I felt I could go again, control the game, getting the ball. That’s what I like, myself.
“That’s what I think is good for the team. I’m a team player. As long as the team wins, that’s the most important, you know? That’s why I came here and that’s why I want to be successful.”