Michael Keane has admitted he broke down in tears in front of his family after hitting “rock bottom” during his struggle with injuries and poor form.
In an interview with the BBC, the Everton defender also revealed that he hid himself away through embarrassment at his performances on the pitch.
Having opened up himself, he is now working with mental health charities to encourage others to seek help.
“I didn’t want to go out, didn’t want to see anyone,” he said.
“I felt a bit embarrassed with how things were going on the pitch so I didn’t want to be seen anywhere, didn’t want to do anything.
“I was keeping it in for a long time, working hard, turning things around on the football pitch but in the end it sort of got on top of me.
“I ended up not having a full breakdown but I was basically in tears telling my family how I felt.
“That was a big breakthrough moment where I sort of got to my ‘rock bottom’. From there on I’ve got better and better with the help of my family and my friends and I started speaking to a sports psychologist which I still do now regularly to just keep on top of it.”
