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Football

16th Sep 2019

Former footballer Marvin Sordell on the need to speak up about mental health

Wayne Farry

Sordell retired from football earlier this year

To many from the outside, Marvin Sordell had an amazing life. A professional footballer who began his career at Watford before his performances earned him a move to then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers, many would have envied the life he lived.

What most people will not have known is that Sordell long battled depression during his career, to the point that he attempted to take his own life in 2013.

When he retired from football in July 2019, the 28-year-old cited mental health as one of the reasons behind the decision, and has consistently called on football authorities to do more to help players experiencing mental health problems.

In his current role as an ambassador for mental health charity CALM, Sordell told JOE about his own issues, and how he wants to help people open up and talk about their mental health.