‘There were days I didn’t want to leave the house’
Tottenham and Brazil forward Richarlison has admitted that seeking professional help “saved his life”.
Richarlison, 26, said he was at “rock bottom” however therapy helped him to “turn things around”.
He’s now in his best run of form since joining Spurs having scored nine goals in his last 13 games and could even reach 50 caps for Brazil when they face England and Spain in friendlies.
The forward first said he was going to seek psychological help after Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, in which he was pictured in tears shortly after being substituted.
“As a player who has an active voice, I tell people to seek help,” he said during a recent press conference.
“We know how prejudiced people are when they say they’re looking for [psychological] help. Thank god I’m not prejudiced about it any more.
“There were days when I didn’t want to leave the house, leave my room. I’d go to train, go straight home and lock myself inside my room.
“I talk about it because it saved my life. I was at rock bottom. Only players know how much pressure we’re under, not only on the pitch but also off it.”
After a difficult start to the season that saw him spend time out due to having an operation on a groin injury that had been affecting him for eight months, the 26-year-old returned to action in December and managed to regain his place in the national team squad.
“I’m back in the Premier League, helping my club,” he added.
“A few months ago, when I didn’t get a call-up to the national team and said I will return, I worked hard during those days. I’m happy, and I’ve managed to turn things around.”
If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
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