Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has uncovered that his poor emotional health nearly constrained him to take a break from the game while at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old has conceded that his mom’s battles with depression significantly affected his psychological prosperity. It got to such a level that he scrutinized his future in the game.
Lingard said while talking to Entertainment Show Presenting: “Not quit football, just have a time out really. I didn’t want to play because my mind wasn’t there, I wasn’t focused at all. I was thinking about other things and obviously bottling it all up; trying to play football, you can’t do it. I could have easily quit in lockdown, been like: ‘Nah I don’t want to do it. It feels like you’re not the same person. I felt like I wasn’t Jesse Lingard. Even in football matches, I felt like the game was just passing me by like I just didn’t want to be there – it was crazy … So, I opened up to United and told them what I was going through, what my mum was going through and they’re always there to help. I feel like lockdown has kind of transitioned me in a way. I watched my old games back and watched the World Cup games back and I thought: Yeah, that’s the real Jesse Lingard.”
🗣 "I feel like I wasn't Jesse Lingard."
Jesse Lingard spoke about his struggles with mental health and how speaking about them has helped his career pic.twitter.com/PE0TXxlcpC
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 23, 2021
Lingard battled for his form on the pitch and persevered through a troublesome season last time around. He was a long way from the great player who flourished under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
The 28-year-old’s circumstance was critical to the point that he was glad to remain on the seat. He accepts there was a ton at the forefront of his thoughts and was not in a situation to give his best on the pitch. Lingard’s mom has lived with misery for the majority of her life, compelling the United midfielder to care for his young kin. Given his own battles, the circumstance was nothing, not exactly a battle.
Eventually, he would not kneel and rather did what was expected to get his spirit up. Watching old recordings of himself helped him to remember his capacity as a player and has since returned to his best. It has not been a simple street yet we are glad Lingard has gotten himself in the groove again.
Lingard moved to West Ham United as they borrowed him in January and has since flourished in London. He is as of now driving the Hammers bid for a best four completion and has revived his standing. It is both an account of individual and mental victory that Lingard has had the option to get back on his own feet.
The English player can now dream of playing for England regularly as he continues to flourish for West Ham and prove that he is worth believing in.
