Thierry Henry opens up about past struggles and depression during soccer career
Thierry Henry, the acclaimed former soccer icon celebrated for his stellar achievements, has openly discussed a potential battle with depression spanning his illustrious career. In a revealing dialogue featured on the Diary of a CEO podcast, the 46-year-old, known for securing triumph in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with France and hailed as Arsenal's leading goal scorer, offered intimate perspectives.
Reflecting on a chapter amid the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, Henry delved into moments of profound emotional distress, narrating episodes marked by tearful days.
«Throughout my career, and since I was born, I must have been in depression,» he expressed, highlighting his lifelong struggle. He attributed his challenges to a quest for validation, shaped by a critical father figure whose disapproval of his performance on the field left a lasting impact.
The former forward shared how he coped during his playing days, mentioning a figurative «cape» he used whenever he sensed difficulty approaching.
This coping mechanism, he described, was a way to navigate the pressures he faced. However, upon retiring in 2014 and delving into coaching roles, the pandemic-induced isolation in 2020 brought his emotional turmoil to the forefront.
Henry's time in Montreal, isolated and distanced from his children due to travel restrictions, became a profound struggle.
«I was crying almost every day for no reason,» he admitted. These tears, he speculated, might have been a manifestation of unresolved emotions from his past, seeking approval he felt he never received as a young athlete.
He pointedly highlighted the impact of his father's critical nature, noting how constant disappointment molded his
