'Leave me alone to live the rest of my life’ - Former Manchester City star Michael Johnson reveals inner demons

Jan 16, 2013 2:00:00 PM

The 24-year-old once tipped to become an England international has hinted that mental illness may have played a role in his failure to fulfil his potential at the Etihad Stadium

Michael Johnson has hinted that mental health illness may have played a role in his failure to fulfil his potential at Manchester City, and pleaded with the media and the public to leave him in peace.

The 24-year-old broke on to the Premier League scene in 2006 and quickly became tipped for an England call-up following a string of impressive displays.

However, after injury problems and weight issues the Manchester-born midfielder's career now appears to be over after City decided to pay out the remainder of his contract, which was due to expire this summer.


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"I am more disappointed than anyone but that’s the way it goes," Johnson told The Manchester Evening News.

"I have been attending the Priory Clinic for a number of years now with regard to my mental health and would be grateful if I could now be left alone to live the rest of my life."

Johnson had often been compared to Manchester City legend Colin Bell during his spell at the club, and the former England international admits he is disappointed with the way the 24-year-old's career has panned out.

"It’s a terrible shame," he added. "It’s hard to accept when your career ends early and for his to end at his age will be really difficult to take."

Johnson made 27 appearances for Manchester City and scored two goals, making his last appearance as a substitute against Scunthorpe in the League Cup in 2009.

He also made seven appearances during an unsuccessful loan spell at Leicester City last season.