Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has opened up about the depression he battled during his time at Old Trafford.
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Lingard left Old Trafford this past off-season, having spent his entire professional career on the club's books after progressing through the club's academy.
Despite living out his childhood dream of playing for the club he supported, Lingard revealed he suffered through depression while playing for the Red Devils, with the 29-year-old adding that he drank alcohol to try and combat the debilitating effects of the mental illness.
"I was having conversations with people and I was just like: 'Yeah. OK. Yeah,'" the attacking midfielder told The Guardian.
"Nothing would register. It would go in one ear and out the other. I was numb and I wanted to be in that numb state where I didn't have to feel anything.
"Literally, I just wanted to sit at home and drink a little bit – try and take the pain away. I don't do that, normally. But sitting at home and drinking before bed … that's when I knew I was in a bad situation.
"It wasn't drinking to excess. It was just little bits through the week."
Lingard faced hardships, especially in 2019 when his mother fell ill and he had to look after his siblings. Lockdown would take place and the playmaker made the temporary move to West Ham United where he rediscovered his form but said the six months while his mother was sick as a significant low point.
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"Nobody really knew about my struggles off the pitch so they think 'You're a footballer, you live in a nice house, you've got money, you can deal with anything.'
"But when it's someone's health and well being – it's a different situation. We're all human."
This term he has featured 14 times for his new team, newly promoted Nottingham Forest, scoring his first goal this month in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.
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