Ryan Giggs reveals he saw a psychiatrist to help him cope with life after leaving Man United
Footballer admits he struggled with 'a feeling of worthlessness' and at times couldn't leave house
FOOTIE star Ryan Giggs has revealed he saw a psychiatrist to learn how to cope with life after Manchester United.
Giggs joined the club at age 14 and stayed until he was 42, when he was part of the management set-up.
He said he was “institutionalised”.
He had been affected by losing games and negative reaction from fans and at times had not been able to leave his house for two days.
Giggs, 43, said he decided to speak out after Everton’s Aaron Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act following an incident on Sunday.
He told the : “When my life at United came to an end I was at a major point of transition.
“I made the decision to see a psychiatrist to learn how to cope and some of the suggestions he made served me well in adapting to a new life outside of United.”
I do not know what has affected Aaron, but I always struggled in the periods I was out the team or playing badly
Giggs said that his “whole life had been mapped out during my 28 years” and he anticipated losing that structure would be hard.
Speaking about Lennon, who was picked up by police in Salford, Greater Manchester, Giggs, added: “I do not know what has affected Aaron, but I always struggled in the periods I was out the team or playing badly.
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“I had a feeling of worthlessness.
"You wonder if your team-mates are looking at you and asking the questions you are asking of yourself.”
- For help with mental health call the on 116 123