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      After Richarlison reveals therapy “saved his life”, we speak to the neuroscientist helping team-mate Emerson Royal

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      RICHARLISON’S revelation that working with a psychologist “saved his life” underlined how critical talking about personal problems can be for some players.The Brazil and Tottenham star last week claimed he was “at rock bottom” earlier this season when issues away from the pitch – including a split with his long-term agent – took hold.Richarlison spoke about the help therapy gave him while on Brazil dutyCredit: PAEmerson Royal is known for exploring every marginal gain going to aid performanceCredit: RexTherapy, along with surgery on a nagging groin problem, turned things around and now he faces Spain on Tuesday back firing on all cylinders.The 26-year-old is not alone as a player in seeking advice to gain better mental health to be a happier person and a better player on the pitch.Emerson Royal, a team-mate for both club and country, employs neuroscientist Dr Fabiano de Abreu as an advisor.It is part of the marginal-gains approach to the game of the right-back, who Ange Postecoglou has described as one of his top-three trainers at Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDr Abreu, a member of the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, told SunSport: “Players may need psychologists more than ordinary people because of the pressure they are under.“Richarlison did the right thing in speaking out. But, in football, managers and clubs are still a long way behind on this topic.“Football today is more challenging than in Pele’s era. It demands more than just dynamic gameplay and skilled players. “The pressure from management, clubs, fans, and social media is immense. The psychological aspect is different now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Zico, the greatest idol of Flamengo, once told me, ‘I played for pleasure, for love’. “But what about today? With high stakes and demands, with constant scrutiny? I’m a former Tottenham and England star but I’d much rather see Arsenal win the league than Three Lions win Euro 2024“There’s no more freedom, and it affects the brain. Plus today’s game demands higher performance.”Richarlison spoke of the profound effect his work with his psychologist had on him and his joy at seeing the Brazil national team employ one as a result.Dr Abreu’s neuroscience expertise means he provides more than a sounding board for Royal and his other clients, though therapy does play a part.His work considers a player’s genetics, upbringing and other social factors to get a detailed profile of the individual.A new client will undergo a thorough DNA test, an interview to understand the players’ background and upbringing, a comprehensive blood test and, if possible, a neuroimaging test to understand better, quite literally, how their mind works.The data from all this allows Dr Abreu and his team to work out how best to enhance the athlete’s performance and mental health.That could be through adjustments to their diet, habits such as improved sleep, medication if necessary and therapy.It is all to do with a player’s neurotransmitters – the chemicals in the brain and nervous system that transmit signals between nerve cells, which are pivotal for mood, sleep, appetite, learning and motor functions – and keeping them stable.Dr Abreu added: “Emerson is always open to suggestions for doing what’s best for him. “He’s a very easy person to work with and a good athlete. “It’s not easy to stand out in England, it’s the country where we feel the most pressure on players. But he knows how to deal with it. READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no doubt that neuroscience and genetics should be considered more in football. “That is if you want to create ‘machines’ like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I can tell you with certainty that Ronaldo has the same thought and uses it for himself.” More

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      Ex-Premier League star in public cry for help as he says ‘my life is slipping out my hands’ over drink and drugs battle

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Dani Osvaldo has admitted “my life is slipping out of my hands” as he lifted the lid on his battles with drugs, drink and depression.The Italy striker joined Southampton from Roma in a £13million deal in 2013.Dani Osvaldo was Southampton’s club-record signing back in 2013Credit: Action ImagesHe became a rock star and fronted a band after retiring from playingCredit: Instagram daniosvaldobvHis time on the South Coast proved to be controversial as he landed a ban for his part in a touchline fracas against Newcastle and then copped a club suspension for a training-ground clash with teammate Jose Fonte.He managed just three goals in 13 Saints appearances, and was shipped out on loan three times before having his contract terminated in 2015.Osvaldo went on to play for Porto, plus Boca Juniors and Banfield in his native Argentina, before retiring in 2020.The 38-year-old has now revealed how his life has spiralled out of control in a video on Instagram.”It’s hard for me to make this video because I’ve never done anything like this before,” the 14-cap international admitted.”But I think the time has come because I’m quite desperate and I’m not doing well. I don’t know if it’s a cry for help or if I just feel the need to talk about it because I’ve been dealing with a lot of depression for a long time.”This depression made me fall into some addictions – alcohol and drugs. And the truth is that I’m at a point where my life is slipping out of my hands.”I’m undergoing psychiatric treatment and taking medication. I have a very specific illness. Lack of self-esteem, depression. I often fall back into my addictions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Out of anger I end up self-destructing, and this also affects the people around me. It’s often difficult to get out of this situation and I isolate myself from the people I love. It’s very difficult for me to move on.”I practically live alone, locked up at home. I don’t go out anywhere, I don’t do anything productive with my life and sometimes I don’t even feel like getting out of bed.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History”Sometimes I don’t even feel like taking a shower. I’ve fallen into very ugly addictions that only make my depression grow more and more.”It has made me distance myself from people who loved me very much, who love me very much, who I also loved and love very much.”And that makes me not want to see my family, not want to share things with my children.”Osvaldo continued: “The anger I feel towards the world and towards many people has to do with me, my illness, my lack of self-esteem, my depression and my bad decisions.”I was an elite footballer. I was a completely different person, full of security, confidence, and I’m a person I don’t recognize.”I still don’t understand how I got here, honestly, but it can happen to anyone. I don’t have a stable job, I’ve spent practically all my savings because, as I have no income, money doesn’t last forever.”But that’s the least of it, because I’ve never been interested in money. I was born poor and I could die poor, and that doesn’t matter to me.”What hurts me most is that I’m getting poorer in my soul and I’ve always been a good friend and a good companion. I wanted to be a good father, although I often didn’t succeed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOsvaldo won a Serie A title while on loan to Juventus in 2014. He first made his name with Fiorentina, Bologna and Espanyol before moving on to Roma and Saints.He has played alongside pals in Argentine rock band Barrio Viejo since hanging up his boots.The Italian has opened up on his battle with drink and drugsCredit: Instagram daniosvaldobv More

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      Mo Salah’s former team-mate collapses on pitch after ‘heart stopped for more than an hour’ as match is suspended

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      EGYPTIAN football star Ahmed Refaat is in hospital after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest on the pitch.The forward collapsed with two minutes remaining of Modern Future FC’s Egyptian Premier League clash with Ittihad on Monday night.Ahmed Refaat collapsed in Modern Future FC’s clash with Ittihad on Monday nightCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe forward’s heart stopped for an hourCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe match was immediately suspended after the severity of Refaat’s condition became clear and he was promptly taken to the hospital.Reefat’s heart stopped for an hour but he’s miraculously managed to survive the ordeal.And the 30-year-old – a former team-mate of Liverpool hitman Mohamed Salah- is currently being monitored in intensive care.A club statement read: “Ahmed Refaat’s heart stopped for more than an hour, despite all resuscitation attempts by the medical staff at Zamzam Hospital near the stadium before his heart rate improved gradually.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, his condition is still medically unstable, which prevents his transfer.”Unless his health condition stabilises, the player will continue to receive treatment and undergo the necessary tests.”The club are following the situation on a momentary basis from the hospital.”And everyone will be updated immediately.Most read in FootballAhmed Refaat is a former team-mate of Liverpool and Egypt international Mo SalahCredit: AFP”We would like to call on the media to respect the player’s personal life as well as his health and ask the Egyptian football fans to pray for Ahmed Refaat to be safe and sound as soon as possible.”Footage of Refaat’s collapse went viral on social media, prompting a slew of well wishes for the Egypt international.Raging Mo Salah in rare outburst as he butts head with World Cup rival as fans say ‘something crazy must have been said’One footie fan wrote on X: “Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”Another said: “Stay Strong Ahmed Refaat.”One remarked: ” Praying for a full recovery and Prayers to his loved ones, in what has to be a difficult time to start this blessed month.”Another chimed in: “Praying for the health and safety of Future FC winger Ahmed Refaat.”Reefat has seven appearances for Egypt to his name, in which he’s scored two goals and provided one solitary assist. More

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      in Athletics

      I’m a porn icon dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’ – I give my athletics ace son tips on how to beat performance anxiety

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      LEONARDO TANO’S porn-icon parents have helped him get his legs over – as a rising star of hurdles.Dad Rocco – dubbed the “Italian Stallion” – claims he gave the athletic all-rounder the heads-up on “how to fight performance anxiety”.Leonardo Tano is a bright young name in Hungarian sportCredit: Instagram @leonardotanoLeonardo and his brother Lorenzo flank parents Rocco and Rosa at a screening of new Netflix show Supersex at a Berlin film festivalCredit: ReutersDad Rocco, shown at his porn peak, has passed on tips such as self-belief to son LeonardoCredit: FacebookNow Leonardo, 24, is in pole position to exploit his versatile talents – as he has all the mental and physical attributes needed.Sports-wise, the part-time model eagerly plays the field – and the track.The social media influencer rode dirt bikes, was a karting champion and also ran before focusing on his main gift – hurdling.And thanks to some fatherly advice, he takes on all-comers with confidence as one of Hungary’s hottest prospects.Tano Senior, 59, who calls himself a sex addict, and wife Rozsa Tassi, 51, found fame via their screen names of Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo.Rocco has appeared in more than 1,300 adult “movies” and features on Netflix show Supersex, which was released on Wednesday.But he is most proud of keeping his son on the straight and narrow in sport.The Daily Star report Rocco as having said: “I taught him how to fight performance anxiety.Most read in Athletics”Leonardo took all of my stubbornness. But in another area he uses his head much more, so to speak.”Tano Junior was a karting whizkid – until he grew too big.Five celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyLuckily, however, his 6ft4ins frame has proved ideal for the hurdles.And his dad loves the dedication Leonardo has shown in recent years, starting when he was a mechanical engineering student. He told Crush Fanzine at the time: “I try to play as many sports as I can. “My principal focus is track and field, which I do six times a week, resting on Sunday.”I would say I am sports addicted, as for me it is an important ingredient to my general health and happiness.”Instagram star Leonardo has branched out from his family’s fameCredit: Rex More

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      I’m homeless, back at AA & staying in my agent’s spare room, says England legend Paul Gascoigne as he opens up on battle

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      TROUBLED footie legend Paul Gascoigne is homeless and back at Alcoholics Anonymous, he has revealed.The 56-year-old, who for decades has battled alcohol addiction and mental health problems, says he’s bunking in a spare rom at his agent’s house.Paul Gascoigne told the High Performance Podcast he is homeless and back at Alcoholics AnonymousCredit: MEN MediaGazza was considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation and was capped 57 times for EnglandCredit: GettyDesperate to get sober, Gazza admits he’s now a “sad drunk” who boozes “indoors” instead of going out.He told Jake Humprey’s High Performance Podcast: “People know Paul Gascoigne but Gazza, no one knows. Even me sometimes.”When I’m really down, that’s when I pick up a drink to cheer myself up.”Considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation, the Gateshead-born midfielder was capped 57 times for England.Read More on Paul GascoigneHis most iconic moment came at Italia ’90 when he cried after being given a yellow minutes before England’s epic World Cup semi-final defeat on penalties to West Germany.But it was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control.He explained: “The drinking side of it was more when I finished playing. I don’t think I let any managers down, or the players or the fans you know.”Gazza’s battle with alcohol has left him jailed or sectioned on numerous occasions over the years.Most read in FootballThese have included drink-driving offences and being drunk and disorderly.He went to rehab for a seventh time for alcohol addiction in 2014, attending a £6,000-a-month clinic in Southampton.Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife’At his worst he splashed out £20,000 to have anti-boozing pellets put in his stomach to try and stop drinking.In a 2021 interview he admitted he will “always be an alcoholic”.Gazza’s demons have seen him seek on and off help from Alcoholics Anonymous, which he says he has recently started revisiting.The dad-of-three, who admitted violence towards first wife Sheryl, now lives at agent Katie Davies’s house in Poole, Dorset.He explained: “I called Katie up in November a few years ago crying my eyes out.”What I put myself through and other people, jail and rehab – taking cocaine off toilet seats.”Gascoigne says he now sinks six coffees by 10am and barely watches football as he misses it too much.But it hasn’t all been plain sailing – as cruel neighbours allegedly put gin bottles on Katie’s doorstep to try and tempt Gazza.He added: “I think the time I’ll give in is when I’m in a wooden box.”Apart from that, I’ll keep on fighting on.”It was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Ryan Garcia posts bizarre vid claiming he’s DEAD with ‘throat slit’ as ex Andrea Celina urges fans ‘pray for him’

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      BOXER Ryan Garcia has sparked concern among his fans after a bizarre video claiming he is dead was posted on his social media.The disturbing six-second clip was shared on the star’s Instagram and X account and it momentarily shows the figure of a man inside a house.Ryan Garcia is gearing up for a spring showdown with Devin HaneyCredit: GETTYThe 25-year-old has sparked serious concerns after his recent social media postsCredit: GETTYThe strange video was posted on X and InstagramGarcia’s ex-wife Andrea Celina is among those concerned about the boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINAThe clip is accompanied by the alarming caption: ”We got him boys. RYAN GARCIA RIP B***H. 666.”Video is exactly 666 in time. WE TOLD YOU WE WERE COMING.” followed by a series of random letters.It is unclear whether the social media posts were shared by the boxer or someone else.The boxing star’s ex-wife has expressed her fears following the worrying social media post.READ MORE IN BOXINGAndrea Celina has been in contact with the 25-year-old since the harrowing post but said she is still concerned about the father of her two children and urged his fans to pray for him.She wrote on her Instagram story: “‘If all my followers who are believers can you please pray for Ryan.”‘We are not together and I’ve been in contact with him and he may seem fine but he is not.”I know in my heart he is being heavily oppressed.Most read in Boxing”This is not a troll, I’m genuinely concerned and so is all his family members.”We are not part of any of this and want him to get better but this IS REAL. Pray for him.”However, Garcia’s dad, Henry, was quick to respond insisting his son is “trolling” his followers.Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia agree deal for mega-fight in SEVENTH bout between rivals as date and location is revealedHe wrote: “Yes Ryan is ok, he’s just trolling the wrong way.Henry, however, claimed all is not what it seems behind the scenes, adding: “There’s more to it. Trust.”Regardless the bizarre clip sparked concern about the boxer’s well-being with some fans claiming he’s been hacked and others believe he is unwell.MMA fighter Dillon Danis commented on the Instagram post: “I’ll pay for you to get help man feel bad for you.”Another fan said: “Please tell me Ryan is ok…”And one wrote: “Come on Ryan… We need to know your are ok. Ive been jumping on line all day for updates. “From literally the very moment this was posted.. Just something from someone. please.””Hope you’re okay Ryan,” someone else wrote.It comes after the former interim WBC lightweight champion celebrated the birth of his third child – his second with Celina – in January 2024.He gushed over the the arrival of his son on social media, just HOURS before announcing his separation from Celina.In a now-deleted post, he wrote: ” As I step into a new chapter in my life, it’s with a heavy heart to share that Drea and I have decided to divorce.”While this decision marks the end of our marriage, it’s important to emphasize that our relationship as co-parents remains our top priority.’He went on: ‘Throughout our years together, Drea has been an incredible partner and an even more extraordinary mother to our two children.”I’m deeply grateful for the years we shared and for her unwavering commitment to our family.”As we move forward, my focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our two beautiful kids. They are and will always be my first priority.”I’m fully committed to working with Drea to make sure our children’s needs and best interests always guide our path forward.”I believe our mutual devotion to our children is rock solid, and I trust that together we will provide them with the love, support and stability that they need.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarcia is now dating Australian model Mikaela Testa, who he recently revealed he plans to train for a Misfits boxing match.SunSport have reached out to Garcia’s promoters – Golden Boy Promotions – for comment.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Celina took to Instagram to claim her ex-husband is not wellCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINARyan Garcia’s social media activity has left boxing fans concerned about his well-beingCredit: gettyRyan Garcia’s father, Henry, has claimed his son is just “trolling” with his social media anticsCredit: THE US SUN More

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      Floyd Mayweather breaks down in tears over death of his long-time assistant who he says was the ‘sister I never had’

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his long-time assistant Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico.Kitchie worked with Mayweather for much of his 25-year unbeaten career and was one of his closest confidants.
      Floyd Mayweather broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his assistant
      Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico with MayweatherCredit: Instagram
      Mayweather called Kitchie ‘a sister’Credit: Instagram
      Kitchie sadly passed away in March 2023
      But she sadly passed away last March due to reportedly suffering health problems.
      Mayweather was left heartbroken following Kitchie’s passing and tearfully paid tribute to her on The Pivot Podcast.
      He said: “Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to, that knew my deepest secrets.
      “There was no male or female in my life that I told more stuff to than her.
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      “She taught me a lot, she helped me a lot. Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, she had my back.”
      Mayweather revealed they had planned to celebrate Kitchie’s 50th birthday in Aruba and the most recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
      But she tragically passed away before they could fulfil their plans.
      Mayweather said she had been dealing with some health issues – but did not specify which – and had encouraged her to seek treatment just days before her death. 
      Most read in Boxing
      He tearfully added: “We argue, we debate, we help each other. That’s a sister I never had. A best friend I ever had.”
      A statement posted to Kitchie’s Instagram account by her family last year revealed that she died on Friday, March 31.
      Floyd Mayweather breaks silence over Manny Pacquiao rematch
      It read: “On March 31, 2023, our brilliant star Kitchie abandoned the physical garment… the angels of Thy loving-kindness descended successively upon her and have ascended her to the spiritual world.
      “We thank all of you who have reciprocated genuine love and positive energy with her
      “We are grateful for your patience and honoring our privacy. Homegoing/ celebration of life arrangements for Kitchie are currently in progress, and updated information will be shared accordingly.” More

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      Former Chelsea ace Lennie Pidgeley reveals he contemplated suicide three years after winning Premier League

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      LENNY PIDGELEY admits he contemplated suicide three years after winning the Premier League with Chelsea.The former Blues goalkeeper, 40, played at Stamford Bridge between 2003 and 2006.
      Lenny Pidgeley has opened up on his battle with panic attacks and anxietyCredit: Rex
      Pidgeley, who retired in 2018, admits he considered suicideCredit: Getty
      He was there for the start of the Roman Abramovich era.
      And Pidgeley checked out his Chelsea career with victory in the Carabao Cup, then known as the League Cup, as well as the Premier League title.
      The stopper, who ended up playing just twice for Chelsea, eventually moved to London rivals Millwall in 2006.
      But it was during this time he began experiencing panic attacks.
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      Pidgeley, who was 23 years old at the time, recalls keeping himself in his bedroom during a turbulent period.
      He even considered suicide after struggling to cope.
      And when he was selected for a fiery Millwall game away at Leeds, he ended up locking himself in a toilet while battling anxiety.
      Pidgeley bravely told The Telegraph: “It had started during the summer, in the off-season. I started getting anxiety attacks and I’d be in bed, door locked under the covers with all the curtains closed. 
      Most read in Football
      “Millwall had sent me to the Priory and I hadn’t played for months. I’d just got back training a little bit and the goalkeeper who was on loan couldn’t play. 
      “I had been feeling a little bit better and the next thing I knew I was playing at Elland Road, first game back. I was in the toilet 10 minutes before kick-off having a panic attack. 
      I played with Lampard and Mata at Chelsea but flop who made just six appearances was most talented, says Eden Hazard
      “I was dripping with sweat, vomiting, my heart was pumping out of my chest and I was trying to convince myself that my hamstring was going to go. 
      “I thought about it so much that I could feel my hamstring actually tightening up. Then I was running out there, standing in front of 30,000 people. 
      “Three weeks earlier I was thinking about killing myself and now they’re calling me a w****r, and whatever, and I’m just thinking ‘oh my God, if you knew what was going on in my head.’
      “I got through the game, but I couldn’t tell you what happened or what the result was. I probably blanked it out because I don’t want to remember anything about it. 
      “Even talking about it brings it all back, look I’m getting hot now, rubbing my head, my mouth’s gone a bit dry.
      “The panic attacks were uncontrollable to the point where I wanted to jump off a balcony. I was in a real, real bad way. 
      “I was embarrassed, I didn’t want anyone to know. I felt weak, vulnerable, like my career was over.”
      You’re not aloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It 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:

      Pidgeley ended up playing 55 times for Millwall before taking in spells at Carlisle, Woking, Bradford and Exeter.
      He then played for Newport County, Masnfield Town, Leatherhead and Forest Green Rovers.
      And Pidgeley’s final days in football came at Hastings United, Margate and Farnborough.
      The former England U20 goalie called time on his career in 2018.
      But his anxiety attacks still hadn’t gone away.
      Pidgeley added: “I was part-time by then and I hadn’t been at work because I wasn’t feeling well. On the morning of the game I was having anxiety and panic attacks. 
      “I called the manager and said I couldn’t play, but he said ‘you have to’. They didn’t have a goalkeeper.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I told him I was quitting football, that I had depression and it wasn’t good for my mental health. Straight away after the game, they just put it out there that I’d retired because of depression. 
      “They ended up deleting it after I spoke to them. I couldn’t believe it, it was a disgrace. I’d kept it quiet for 10 or 15 years.” More