Hamburg defender Aogo reveals battle with depression

Oct 10, 2012 10:36:00 PM

The Germany international says that mental health problems hampered his build-up to the new season and thanked manager Thorsten Fink for his understanding at a difficult time

Hamburg defender Dennis Aogo has revealed that a bout of depression was the real reason behind his absence at the start of the campaign.

The 25-year-old received the support of his manager Thorsten Fink, who agreed to a request from the player for his condition to be investigated.

"At the end of the pre-season, I found it harder and harder to get up," Aogo told Bild.

"Body and mind are interrelated. I thought that it was just a phase but the point came when I could no longer help the team.

"I was depressed and mentally I felt that I was no longer myself. Therefore, I asked the coach if I could get it checked thoroughly."

Aogo spent over a week receiving treatment and said he is relieved to be back to his normal self again.

"After 10 days [of care] the motivation and momentum came back. This was not an easy time but I feel really good again."

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