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    Alvaro Morata reveals depression battle and says ‘I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did my throat would close up’

    FORMER Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression.The 31-year-old captained Spain to Euro 2024 glory this summer, but recently admitted he almost didn’t make it to Germany.Alvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depressionCredit: RexThe striker also revealed he has suffered from panic attacksCredit: GettyMorata admitted he almost couldn’t play at Euro 2024Credit: GettyMorata had received heavy criticism from both fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament – so much so that it made him want to leave the country.The AC Milan striker experienced some mental health troubles as a result which made him question if he would ever be able to step onto a football pitch again.Speaking to El Partidazo, Morata revealed: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do, what situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”The Spaniard began doubting his future during the latter stages of his time with Atletico Madrid – just months before Euro 2024. Read More in FootballHe continued: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from Simeone, Koke, Miguel Ángel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach… we are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots, and when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. “There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.”Earlier this year, Morata announced that he had split from wife Alice Campello.The couple had been together for seven years and share four children.Morata left Atletico to join AC Milan in a £10.9million transfer in July.The striker has since scored two goals in five Serie A appearances.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to pressure of F1 racing

    F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racing.The seven-times world champ has had mental health difficulties since he was 13.Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racingCredit: ReutersHe said: “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying.“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats. He has a 10km run to clear his mind.read more on lewis hamiltonHe added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”Asked if he saw a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful. I’d like to find someone today.” Lewis — sixth in the F1 standings — said he is single but wants a family “one day”.He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it with that.Most read in Motorsport“One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.“And my nieces and nephew are a handful.“There will be a time and a place for it and I can’t wait for that part.“But right now I have some work to do.” More

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    Sky Sports legend reveals he’s stopped going to Chelsea as he opens up on depression and ‘losing connection with club’

    TIM LOVEJOY has opened up on suffering from depression and revealed that he stopped going to watch Chelsea.The Soccer AM icon and Channel 4 host insisted that he originally stopped going to games for two reasons.Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer on Sunday BrunchCredit: RexHe was the host of Soccer AM between 1996 and 2007Credit: AlamyHe has given up his season ticket to ChelseaCredit: RexLovejoy, 56, gave up his season tickets at Stamford Bridge in order to spend more time with his family and having lost a “connection” to the club.Part of his connection to the club faded due to the way the club was being run.He said on the Soccer A-Z podcast: “I have to admit that I have become an armchair fan.”I’ve given up my season tickets at the home of football, Stamford Bridge, and I can only apologise for that.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”But I have my reasons. First of all, I used to spend time at weekends with my daughters, so I didn’t go as often.”It’s quite a lot of money at Stamford Bridge, so it was a waste of my money.”Secondly, I lost a bit of connection with the club. I’ve got to be honest with you because we spent a lot of money and we were sacking a lot of fans and it didn’t fit my values as much.”I was getting angry with them and I was thinking ‘why am I going every week’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I still like Chelsea and I still like watching them on TV.”Lovejoy also admitted that going to football was making him sad as he opened up on his struggles with depression.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubHe explained that a match at Anfield in which he was abused by Liverpool fans left him feeling “lonely”.He recalled: “The other thing is I had a bout of depression and it wasn’t making me happy being there.”It made me feel kind of sad for some reason. I remember going to Anfield with Simon Rimmer… He’s a Liverpool fan and he took me up to Anfield.”Loads of Liverpool fans spot me, they’re all standing up and they’re going ‘Lovejoy is a rent boy ‘”I just felt so lonely, depression hit me and going to football didn’t do it for me anymore. However, watching it on TV really did.”My idea of heaven is Super Sunday or Monday Night Football.”Lovejoy was the star of Soccer AM from 1996 until 2007 but left after a pay dispute.In 2020, he told the Athletic that he believed that people who appeared on screen should be paid more.He said: “I’d done 11 years, and I absolutely adored the show. But we were being treated like a production team of any other part of Sky,”For a few years I’d been saying: if someone appears on screen can they get a few quid more?”It started getting embarrassing in the end. Some of them were getting paid so little money, they were saying to me ‘Tim, I’ve got to leave soon, because I’ve been doing eight years of this.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”I went to see the bosses and said: ‘Look, is there any way that we can pay the guys proper money?'”They just said: ‘No, they’re researchers and assistant producers’. I really pleaded with them to pay the team what they deserved. But I understand why the bosses couldn’t do it.” More

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    Team GB boxer emotionally torn apart and battling depression after Olympics 2024 robbery

    DELICIOUS ORIE has been emotionally torn apart and is still battling     the depression that engulfed him after he was robbed by Olympic  boxing judges.Orie hasn’t yet recovered from that intense sense of injustice he felt in Paris last month.Great Britain’s Delicious Orie, right, was devastated after losing to Davit Chaloyan during the Men’s +92kg final in ParisCredit: PAHe said ‘I’ve never suffered depression in my life before’Credit: GettyDJ, as he likes to be called, won Commonwealth Games and European Championship golds.And Great Britain’s super-heavyweight was a favourite to become Olympic champion.The smell from sewage in the Seine may have been unpleasant but there was a far greater stench in the boxing arena.The XY chromosomes controversy over Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting — allowed to compete in the women’s event despite previously failing gender tests — and some disturbing judges’ scorecards saw to that.READ MORE IN BOXINGOrie wasn’t at his best fighting Davit Chaloyan yet was given the first round by all five judges.The second and third rounds were much closer but DJ and his team were dumbfounded as he was ruled a 3-2 loser.Orie was distraught and is struggling to come to terms with that dodgy defeat to the Armenian.When I tracked Orie down this week, on holiday with his parents in Thailand, he was pleased to unburden himself.Most read in BoxingThough he was 5,000 miles away, I could feel his pain when he said: “It’s going to be a very long time before I get what happened to me in Paris out of my system.“I just can’t stop thinking about it.Ten things from the Olympics closing ceremony you may have missed“Knowing my Olympic boxing history, I know it has happened to much better fighters than me — Roy Jones Jr in Seoul and Floyd Mayweather Jr in Atlanta being the most famous victims.“But I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.“It took eight hard years preparing to win gold, then all my dreams were just shattered.“I’ve never suffered depression in my life before — I just can’t get it out of my mind and my whole world seemed to have collapsed.“I’ve taken a lot of punches, been dropped in sparring, been really wounded as an athlete.I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.Delicious OrieSunSport“But this is by far the worst thing I’ve had to go through — nothing has hurt me as much as this.”Orie is 27 and won’t want to stay amateur for another four years to try to make it to the Los Angeles Games.Not least because it’s uncertain if boxing will be included for 2028.He could turn pro — or quit boxing altogether and rely on his first-class honours degree in economics from Aston University to earn a living.Having failed to get an Olympic medal, DJ can’t expect to be offered a lucrative promotional deal to start punching for pay.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s certainly not too old to leave the amateurs — 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce didn’t turn pro until he was 32 and was interim WBO world heavyweight champ.Orie is not a big puncher but with his brains   and colourful background — his mother is Russian and his father Nigerian — he would be a welcome addition to Britain’s talented and highly competitive heavyweight scene.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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    I’m a Euros champion but was arrested for STREAKING at a football match after joining a cult and changing my name

    LARS ELSTRUP was able to overcome his battle with depression, during which he streaked at a football match.The former footballer won the Euros in 1992 as he helped Denmark claim their first major tournament win.Lars Elstrup starred at Euro 2024Credit: RexDenmark won the whole tournamentCredit: GettyHe suffered from depression after retiring from footballCredit: AlamyHe even streaked at a Danish football matchCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceElstrup, 61, starred in the tournament as he scored the winning goal against France in the group stage.He also converted in the shootout win over Holland in the semi-final.However, he spent the entire final on the bench hoping not to be called upon by manager Richard Moller Nielsen.This was down to his depression making him scared of “being a failure.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024He wrote in his autobiography: “It all started two days before the final.”Up until then I was really looking forward to playing in the four previous matches, even being in the starting line-up.”But something changed and there was no way I wanted to play in the final, I was afraid of being a failure.”He retired from football a year after the Euro success after having a career playing for the likes of Luton Town, Randers Fleja, Brondby, Feyenoord and Odense.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSElstrup made the headlines – but not for the right reasonsAfter hanging up his boots, he struggled for 15 years with depression.He has admitted that, at points, he has “grass coming out of the shower drain”, joining a cult and finding an Indian guru.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedHe also changed his name to Darando and was arrested for stripping naked and streaking during a Danish Superliga match.Michael Gravgaard, president of Randers, witnessed Elstrup’s stripping streaking and confessed that it was “very sad”.However, since 2022, Elstrup has managed to overcome his mental health battles.He said: “I am stronger than ever.”I divided my life into phases and this last phase has now lasted for more than two years.”Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

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    Slovenia star who suffered with depression reveals heartwarming moment with Declan Rice before England clash

    ENGLAND midfielder Declan Rice shared some kind words with Slovenia counterpart Josip Ilicic.The Maribor forward has opened up about his battles with depression in the past, which almost led him to retire in 2022.Declan Rice proved he is a true sportsmanCredit: GettyJosip Ilicic helped Slovenia draw with EnglandCredit: GettyHe revealed that Rice, 25, reached out before yesterday’s game in an incredible act of sportsmanship.Ilicic, 36, told Sky Italy: “My story is inspirational. I’m glad to hear that, honestly. “Even today, entering the pitch there was an England player who complimented me.”He told me he respects me a lot. It was nice to hear. My story is well known around the world. READ MORE ON EURO 2024″The player who said that? He’s a midfielder for Arsenal, I’m sure you know him, Declan Rice.”Former Atalanta star Ilicic was hospitalised with an infection in his lymph nodes in 2018.He said: “I realised football isn’t everything in life.“At times people get angry over nothing, but that illness changed me. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I didn’t even want to watch the games. My family, team-mates and the coach stood by me, then once I recovered, it was an issue of finding match fitness.”Ilicic was also hit by the death of Fiorentina team-mate Davide Astori and took a year out from the game in 2022 after struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYFans hail Anthony Gordon for ‘refreshingly raw’ TV interview after England’s bore 0-0 Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia He added: “I was afraid to go to sleep.“I thought I would never wake up in the morning and see my family again. “It was hard to recover. You start from below zero and you have to get used to moving and running again, as if I were a child.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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    Tyson Fury pals say star ‘needed someone with him 24/7’ in height of depression and reveal horror chat before famous win

    TYSON FURY “needed someone with him 24/7” at the height of his depression after predicting his mental health battle. Fury pulled off a stunning upset in 2015 to take Wladimir Klitschko’s unified heavyweight titles.Wladimir Klitschko was stunned by Tyson Fury in 2015Credit: Rex FeaturesFury suffered from depression after beating KlitschkoCredit: –But he had to relinquish them just a year later after suffering from depression and substance abuse. Fury ballooned up to 30 STONE and has been open about battling suicidal thoughts during the dark period in his life. It meant close friends – like boxer Isaac Lowe – kept a close eye on the struggling Gypsy King at all times. Lowe, 30, said on an episode of Fury Uncovered: “Someone had to be with him 24/7. More or less all the time.READ MORE IN BOXING”You can be the richest man in the world, you can have everything.”But if you’ve got horrible thoughts going through your head, you’re better being with someone.”Fury told anyone who would listen for years prior that he would defeat Klitschko – and that he could already see his mental breakdown coming.Strength and conditioning coach Kristian Blacklock said: “Before he fought Klitschko, I asked him specifically, ‘What are you going to do when you win’?Most read in Boxing”And he said, ‘I’ll be miserable.’ I said, ‘Aren’t you going to go on holiday, with your family, with your kids to celebrate?’ “He goes ‘nah, I’ll probably be really depressed’. It was like his ultimate goal in life, obviously he’s achieved it, where do you go from here?”Fans torn as Tyson Fury posts training clip three weeks ahead of Oleklsandr Usyk fight and boasts ‘Wish it was tonight’Fury did eventually return to the ring in 2018 and remarkably challenged Deontay Wilder for the WBC title the same year. It ended in a controversial draw which set up a classic trilogy between the duo which Fury, 35, ended with two stoppage wins and the belt.The heavyweight now returns in the biggest fight of his career on May 18 against Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in Saudi Arabia. It is set to crown the first ever four-belt heavyweight undisputed champion.But Fury’s brother Tommy – a 10-0 fighter himself – insisted his sibling has already won his biggest battle. Tommy, 24, said: “I think the biggest fight that Tyson has ever won and will ever win in his whole entire life is that fight against mental health.” Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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    Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panel

    FANS hailed Dele Alli for opening up on his mental health battles as he joined the Monday Night Football line-up on Sky Sports. The 28-year-old Everton midfielder bravely opened up about his childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs during an interview with Gary Neville last July.Dele Alli opened up on in a brave interview with Gary Neville but has been injured sinceCredit: GettyThe star was a guest on Sky Sports’ Monday Night FootballCredit: Sky SportsThe ex-MK Dons and Tottenham ace also revealed that he went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction as he heartbreakingly broke down in tears.Everton fans unveiled a flag at Goodison Park as the football community quickly rallied to support the former England international.Dele, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury all season, has now revealed how much he was surprised by the reaction to his tell-all interview.Speaking on Sky Sports’ MNF alongside host David Jones and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher ahead of Everton’s trip to Chelsea, he said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”Dele last played for Besiktas in February 2023 while on loan from Everton.Most read in FootballHe has only made 13 appearances since swapping Tottenham for Merseyside in January 2022.Dele’s contract runs until June 2025 and he admits he is “excited” for next season already as he targets a return to first-team action after injury.Eric Dier says he ‘has lots of regrets’ and admits to being ‘disappointed he didn’t do more’ to help Dele AlliHe added: “It’s been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it’s something that I’ve learned a lot from and helped me grow even more as a person.“I’ll forever be thankful to have this opportunity to really get to know myself.“I think the pain of the injury is something I can really channel to really motivate me.“Obviously, after the interview people were asking when me I was coming back to football thinking I was just taking a break, but it is just an injury.“It’s one I’m hopefully getting to the end of – I can see the light and I’m excited.”His career in numbers:
    MK Dons – 2011/15
    88 apps 24 goals
    Tottenham – 2015/22
    269 apps 67 goals
    Everton – 2022-
    13 apps 0 goals
    Besiktas – (loan 2022/23)
    15 apps 3 goals
    England
    37 caps 3 goals

    After seeing how upbeat the ace was tonight, fans soon jumped on social media to hail Dele.One wrote: “Not optimistic, but how lovely would it be to see Dele back playing regularly again next season.”“Seeing Dele Alli on #MNF talking about his mental health, I really do think he’s showing money isn’t everything,” declared another.A third commented: “Nice to see our boy dele on Monday night football. Be nice to see him play again after all he has been through.”As a fourth said: “Ahhh, Dele Alli on Monday Night Football… still love the guy.”Fans loved seeing the ace with a smile back on his faceCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Everton will save £10m through Dele’s appearance on Monday Night Football.In doing so, he will save his club from having to pay Tottenham a fee as part of his January 2022 move.Alli joined Everton two years ago on a free transfer with a series of appearance-based add-ons.As part of the deal, Everton would have to pay Spurs £10million if Alli made 20 Premier League appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Everton having just seven matches remaining this term and Alli’s contract expiring in the summer, his appearance on Sky Sports means he cannot end the campaign with any more than 19 league appearances for the club.As a result, he will save Sean Dyche’s side £10m. More