Former Premier League starVincent Pericard has offered emotional support to footballers after admitting he felt like taking his own life at times when he played in the top-tier of England.
Pericard, who played for Portsmouth and Stoke City during his career, retired at the age of 29 but is now actively trying to raise awareness about the problem of mental illness in football.
During an interview withThe Sun, Pericard admitted to losing the determination to train, telling the club that he was sick in order to sit at home alone.
Vincent Pericard confesses 'I thought of suicide' while playing in the Prem with Stoke https://t.co/Eebz7J37M3
For me, it was a low place to be. Some people have suicidal tendencies. It did cross my mind but I would never act on it. I was fortunate. But I couldn't carry on.At Stoke I was really struggling to settle in the area.
I was transferred to a new team and a new set of fans and getting criticism because I wasn't playing well.
Going to training in the mornings was very challenging and the ripple effect was me not wanting to play. I was saying I was sick and not training.
After training I would lock the door, close the windows and in the dark room think I was worthless and not going to make it.
Always a pleasure to be invited as a guest lecturer at @solentofficial @SSUBAfootball pic.twitter.com/TXCxTuKv7M
I was thinking the wrong things. It got so bad I went to the manager and said I needed a break and I couldn't cope. I was in a vicious circle.�
Pericard, now 34, has set up an app called WhatsUp? aimed at offering footballers emotional support over phone calls, although the Frenchman believes depression is a problem that will only worsen over time in the sport.
It is a trend that won't stop tomorrow.The increase of money in football, clubs are getting more money, players are.
If they get more money, but still not the right support, it will only carry on. The sooner they address it, the better."