Man Utd title winner didn't want to leave house after being mocked for his looks and got apology from Gary Lineker

The Irish Sun

a day ago

LUKE CHADWICK has revealed he was left battling depression and anxiety after being mocked for his appearance.
The former
3
Luke Chadwick (middle) has admitted he suffered from depression and anxiety during his time at Manchester United
Credit: PA
3
The former midfielder was ridiculed for his looks
Credit: PA
3
Now 44, the ex-MK Dons and Stoke midfielder has opened up his experience
Credit: Getty
Chadwick came through the United youth system, winning the Premier League in 2001.
He would go to play for West Ham, Stoke and MK Dons in a near two-decade career.
Ahead of releasing his autobiography Not Just a Pretty Face, the 44-year-old has opened up about abuse he suffered as a young pro.
Chadwick admits cruel comments about his appearance made him want to hide away in his house in the early stages of his career.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
He told
"I didn't want to go to the shops, I didn't want to go out with my friends.
"I would just want to stay at home because I was so scared that people would talk about the way that I looked.
"I wasn't able to speak about it to anyone – not even my family, my friends – it was something that I kept so deep inside.
Most read in Football
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
"I probably felt helpless, in a way, because I just didn't know how to deal with it. And I just wanted it to stop, really."
Chadwick's anxiety improved after moving away from Old Trafford to join the Hammers in 2004.
Ex-Man Utd player Luke Chadwick claims his 'stomach twisted' whenever he appeared on TV as he battled depression
He continued: "It wasn't until I came away from Manchester United, and the spotlight's not on you as much.
"I was able to rebuild my confidence and live a really happy life.
"Football was always the place I felt free - the place where I didn't think about anything else."
Chadwick also received an apology from Gary Lineker for comments made on the BBC show They Think It's All Over.
Lineker was a team captain on the panel show, which regularly poked fun at Chadwick over his looks.
The England legend wrote on X in 2020: "I was part of that show, therefore, I too would like to apologise to Luke Chadwick for any hurt caused."
Depression... the signs to look for and what to do
Depression can manifest in many ways.
We all feel a bit low from time to time.
But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through.
They may also struggle to about daily life.
Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience:
How you might feel
Down, upset or tearful
Restless, agitated or irritable
Guilty, worthless and down on yourself
Empty and numb
Isolated and unable to relate to other people
Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
Angry or frustrated over minor things
A sense of unreality
No self-confidence or self-esteem
Hopeless and despairing
Feeling tired all the time
How you might act
Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions
Losing interest in sex
Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight
Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
Samaritans,
CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men)
Papyrus (prevention of young suicide)
Shout (for support of all mental health)
Mind,
Rethink Mental Illness,