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Former Bradford & Hull City star Dean Windass reveals he tried to commit suicide twice in past week: I have cried every day for the last two years
The one-time Middlesbrough striker admits he has struggled with depression since retiring while Manchester United's Michael Owen discusses how he has been planning ahead
15 Jan 2012 12:33:00
By Stephen Darwin
Former Bradford and Hull City striker Dean Windass has revealed that he attempted to commit suicide twice in the past week after suffering with depression.
The 42-year-old retired from football last year but has admitted his struggles with adapting to life away from the game and that he had come to the decision that he wanted to take his own life.
"I have cried every day for the last two years since retiring," he told the People.
"People outside football think we have it all. But I was in a hole that I honestly didn't know how to get out of.
"Just over a week ago I hit rock-bottom and decided to end it all.
"I first took an overdose and when that didn't work tried to hang myself. I felt so alone and believed I had nothing to live for.
"I need to sort myself out which is why I'm speaking out now.
"People have this image of me as this big strong man who can take anything life throws at him. But I'm not ashamed to say I wanted to end it after a string of setbacks.
"I knew I'd been a fool but I couldn't shake off the depression at feeling what a failure I'd become."
The former Middlesbrough forward also called on the PFA to help players as much as they can when they come to retire from the playing side.
"We're not the brightest but you play football all your life," he said.
"There are hundreds of footballers in the same boat [after retirement]. There is nothing to get up for in the morning.
"The Professional Footballers' Association or the governing body need to help us."
Manchester United's Michael Owen, meanwhile, has praised Windass for speaking openly about his struggles and admitted that he is actively planning ahead for life after retirement.
He Tweeted: "Credit to Dean Windass for being so open about his problems. Hopefully something can be set up to help ex players who suffer like this.
"I've spent the last 6 years planning for life after football doing tv work, coaching badges, setting up a horse training business etc.
"People think you are taking your eye off the ball but it's not true. Just feel its important to plan ahead as its a short career.
"I'm all set for when I hang up my boots but despite what some of you say, I've got a few years and a stack of goals left in me yet!!!"
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The 42-year-old retired from football last year but has admitted his struggles with adapting to life away from the game and that he had come to the decision that he wanted to take his own life.
"I have cried every day for the last two years since retiring," he told the People.
"People outside football think we have it all. But I was in a hole that I honestly didn't know how to get out of.
"Just over a week ago I hit rock-bottom and decided to end it all.
"I first took an overdose and when that didn't work tried to hang myself. I felt so alone and believed I had nothing to live for.
"I need to sort myself out which is why I'm speaking out now.
"People have this image of me as this big strong man who can take anything life throws at him. But I'm not ashamed to say I wanted to end it after a string of setbacks.
"I knew I'd been a fool but I couldn't shake off the depression at feeling what a failure I'd become."
The former Middlesbrough forward also called on the PFA to help players as much as they can when they come to retire from the playing side.
"We're not the brightest but you play football all your life," he said.
"There are hundreds of footballers in the same boat [after retirement]. There is nothing to get up for in the morning.
"The Professional Footballers' Association or the governing body need to help us."
Manchester United's Michael Owen, meanwhile, has praised Windass for speaking openly about his struggles and admitted that he is actively planning ahead for life after retirement.
He Tweeted: "Credit to Dean Windass for being so open about his problems. Hopefully something can be set up to help ex players who suffer like this.
"I've spent the last 6 years planning for life after football doing tv work, coaching badges, setting up a horse training business etc.
"People think you are taking your eye off the ball but it's not true. Just feel its important to plan ahead as its a short career.
"I'm all set for when I hang up my boots but despite what some of you say, I've got a few years and a stack of goals left in me yet!!!"
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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