David Beckham has opened up about his mental health struggles to Prince William, as he hopes to broaden the discussion surrounding mental health within the football industry.
The former footballer spoke to the Duke of Cambridge about his “toughest year” as part of Prince William’s long-running Head’s Up campaign, following the announcement that the entire UK football family has signed a joint declaration committing to make mental health a key priority.
The pair were joined by sporting stars Steph Houghton, Tyrone Mings, Andros Townsend, and Carlo Ancelotti as they discussed the importance of both physical and mental health in sports.
“When I look back on it now, I didn’t realise how hard it was but I just remember the times where I faced adversity throughout my career, ‘98 was by far the toughest,” David admitted in a video chat.
“Once you’re on the field, you have to mentally prepare for that, you have to really understand that yes, you have your teammates, but that doesn’t make you stop thinking ‘what are they saying about me in the crowds?'” the 45-year-old added.
“I think I went through that at a very young age. I made a mistake, you know, I made a mistake in ‘98 and the reaction at the time was pretty brutal.”
“I was constantly criticised on the pitch verbally. But like I said at the start of this, times have changed. If social media was around when I was going through that time in ‘98, it would have been a whole different story.”
David revealed that he had a support system in place to help him overcome his demons, including his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I was lucky. I had a support system within Manchester United and the manager and obviously family, but did I feel at the time it was okay to ask someone and say: ‘I need help’? I would say no.”
“It was a different era and I just felt I had to keep it all in and deal with it myself.”
“I’m the one who is preaching to my kids and also other kids that I talk to out there that it’s really important to talk, it’s really important to say if you’re not okay,” the father-of-four added.
We all know now it’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to say that, it’s okay to come out and say ‘I need help’.”
Sharing a clip from the chat on his Instagram, David wrote: “Over the years I’ve learned that to play at your best, mental well-being is just as important as physical fitness.”
“As a new club owner I want our players and staff to feel able to ask for help when they need it. Thankfully times are changing and we need everyone in football to know that it’s ok to be open when they feel pressure and need support.”
“Thank you to the Duke of Cambridge for inviting me to join this important conversation ahead of the Heads Up FA Cup final this weekend.”
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