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Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon opens up on dealing with mental health struggles

LightRocket via Getty Images
LightRocket via Getty Images

Juventus and former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said that he had " a hard time finding joy in life" at a certain stage during his career as he delved further into the mental health problems that he endured during his career.

The 41-year-old admitted his struggles with depression for the first time in January, which included detailing how he missed a game with Juventus due to a panic attack.

Now Buffon has elaborated on the issue of mental health in the form of a letter written to his younger self for The Players Tribune, and stated that his routine during a seven-month period when he was 26 became like 'a prison'.

"If you live your life in a nihilistic way, thinking only about football, your soul will start to wither," he wrote.

"Eventually, you will become so depressed that you won’t even want to leave your bed.

"It will happen at the height of your career, when you have everything a man could ever want in life. You will have money and respect. People will even call you Superman.

"But you’re no superhero. You’re just a man like anyone else. And the truth is that the pressure of this profession can turn you into a robot. Your routine can become a prison.

Gianluigi Buffon has refused to confirm his retirement but said that Saturday will be his last game for Juventus (AP)
Gianluigi Buffon has refused to confirm his retirement but said that Saturday will be his last game for Juventus (AP)

"One morning, when you get out of bed to go to training, your legs will start shaking uncontrollably. You will be so weak that you won’t be able to drive your car.

"Initially, you will think it’s just fatigue, or a virus. But then it will get worse. All you’ll want to do is sleep.

"At training, every save will feel like a titanic effort. For seven months, you will have a hard time finding joy in life."

Buffon has won a record nine Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and five Supercoppa Italiana wins during his club days in Italy to go alongside winning the 2006 World Cup with his country.

Buffon admitted he did not want to get out of bed during a certain stage of his career (Getty)
Buffon admitted he did not want to get out of bed during a certain stage of his career (Getty)

However, ​he admitted that not appreciating the simpler things in life and not remembering he was "the same as everyone else" despite all the accolades and plaudits during the early part of his career is something he regrets.

"You must remember this: money and fame isn’t the purpose. If you are not taking care of your soul, if you are not looking for inspiration in things outside of football, you will deteriorate.

"This is what will get you out of your depression. Not remembering that you are special, but remembering that you are the same as everyone else.

The goalkeeper said getting caught up in money and fame saw him deteriorate as a person (Getty )
The goalkeeper said getting caught up in money and fame saw him deteriorate as a person (Getty )

"You cannot comprehend this now, at 17 years old, but I promise you that real courage is showing weakness and not being ashamed.

"You deserve the gift of life, Gigi. Just as everyone does. Remember this."