Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Jesse Lingard admits his mental health almost made him give up on football
According to The Guardian, Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has revealed that mental health issues almost forced him to take a break from the sport while at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old has admitted that his mother’s struggles with depression had a profound impact on his mental well-being. It got to such a level that he questioned his future in the game.
Lingard struggled for form on the pitch and endured a difficult season last time around. He was far from the impressive player who thrived under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
“Not quit football, just have a time out really.”
The 28-year-old’s situation was so dire that he was more than happy to stay on the bench. He believes there was a lot on his mind and was not in a position to give his best on the pitch.
“I didn’t want to play because my mind wasn’t there, I wasn’t focused at all. I was thinking about other things and obviously bottling it all up; trying to play football, you can’t do it.”
Lingard’s mother has lived with depression for most of her life, forcing the United midfielder to look after his young siblings. Given his own struggles, the situation was nothing less than a struggle.
Keep on fighting!
Lingard admits that he spoke to United about his situation and those in charge understood what he was going through. The lockdown only made things worse and the 28-year-old seriously gave a thought about taking a break.
“I could have easily quit in lockdown, been like: ‘Nah I don’t want to do it.”
In the end, he refused to bow down and instead did what was needed to get his morale up. Watching old videos of himself reminded him of his ability as a player and has since got back to his best. It has not been an easy road but we are proud Lingard has gotten himself back on track.
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Lingard moved to West Ham United on loan in January and has since thrived in London. He is currently leading the Hammers bid for a top-four finish and has rekindled his reputation.
It is both a story of personal and professional triumph that Lingard has been able to get back on his own feet.
The English international goes into the final weeks of the season knowing full well that he might be on the plane to the Euros this summer. Few can say that he hasn’t earned it.
