Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell said the stigma around mental health “needs to go” after speaking about the help he received during his injury absence.
He said the time was “very challenging” but that he was helped by speaking about the psychological impacts.
“I’ve been talking to someone for a few years now,” Chilwell said.
“I think the stigma around it is silly really, especially with men and men in football in particular.
“The way it has helped me, it can definitely help everyone. The stigma around it is something that needs to go.”
Chilwell returned from his injury at the start of February and has been included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine this week.
He said watching the World Cup with Chelsea team-mate Reece James, who was also missed the tournament in Qatar with an injury, helped both players.
“In a weird way it was nice we had each other during that time because it was someone you could share the pain of missing a World Cup with,” he said.
“We helped each other a lot through that experience.”
Chilwell added: “Of course mentally it is very challenging.
“All footballers go through periods of their career where things are mentally challenging.
“You have got to be resilient, be strong and try come through it. That is the way I have tried to look at injuries I have had, spin them into positive situations where I can better myself mentally and physically.”
‘I’m in my best form since moving to Man City – Grealish
England play Italy in Naples on Thursday before hosting Ukraine on Sunday.
Winger Jack Grealish goes into the Euro 2024 qualifiers on the back of a strong run of form for Manchester City having started their past nine league games.
After a difficult first season at City, the 27-year-old said he feels in his “best form” since joining for a club record £100m in 2021.
“I think it’s confidence,” Grealish said. “If you were to ask me one thing [that has helped improve his form], I probably would say confidence.
“At the moment, I just feel a bit like I did when I was at Aston Villa.
“I feel like one of the main players, and I feel that playing a lot, it is the fittest I have been, especially since I have been at Man City.
“That comes down to playing a lot of games on the bounce and playing in big games, just making an impact really.”
