Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin has opened up on his mental health issues and the struggles he's faced this season in an inspirational social media post where he admitted that "talking saved my life".
It's been a difficult campaign for the Toffees striker, who started the season on fire, bagging 3 goals in the first 3 games. But the 25-year-old has been plagued by injuries this term, with a fractured toe restricting him to just 18 appearances in all competitions for Everton, who have endured a season of struggle without their star striker.
Calvert-Lewin's injury woes came just a year after he enjoyed his most fruitful campaign at Goodison Park to date, plundering 21 goals in 39 games to muscle his way into the England squad.
Since returning to fitness, Calvert-Lewin has been crucial in the final weeks of the campaign for Frank Lampard's side and was able to put some of his injury frustrations behind him by netting the decisive goal in the 3-2 win that secured Everton's top-flight survival last week.
And the England ace took to social media after the Premier League season concluded at the weekend to thank Everton fans for their support before touching on his own struggles and the importance of mental health.
He posted: “First of all thank you to you fans for sticking by us this season and for continuing to inspire us right until the last day of the season. The main goal became to stay in the premier league and I don’t believe that would have happened without your unbelievable support.
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“On a personal note I have had to dig deep within myself at times this season and have endured some of the most difficult times of my career and my life to date.
“The love and support helped carry me through. One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel.
“To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life. It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you’ll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses.
“Finishing the season on a high meant everything to me, enjoy the break toffee fans you deserve it. May the pressure continue to be a privilege.”
