Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah has revealed he struggled with anxiety when he first broke into the Blues' senior side.
Chalobah, whose brother Nathaniel also started his career in west London, made his senior debut for the club against Villarreal in the 2021 Super Cup. He played 30 times last season under Thomas Tuchel, prompting calls for England recognition, and has continued to feature under Graham Potter.
The 23-year-old has had some tough times, with some of his challenges not immediately visible. After hearing him speak about his experience, though, plenty have praised the defender for his bravery in sharing his story..
"People don't know what players are going through," Chalobah told The Residency podcast. "We're normal human beings.
"They think we're superhumans, that we don't get affected by what people say, what people do. I'm the same as you guys.
"Playing for Chelsea last season, towards the start of the season I was suffering with anxiety. Playing for a big club, 40,000 every week, obviously I was used to it [from] going on loan but it's different playing for your boyhood club, at a big Champions League-winning team the big before that.
What did you make of Chalobah's comments? Have your say in the comments section
Chalobah was asked if it was still an issue, but said he has now dealt with the anxiety which he was struggling with when he first broke through. "The start of last season, the first few weeks - the first month or so - was tough, but then I managed to pull through it.
"It was just talking to my family, really. It was talking to people. With my family, we're very close, we've always been close, we're always talking."
The response to the footage of Chalobah speaking was broadly positive. One Twitter user said "We need to see more men speak out about this," while another praised the youngster for "Leading the conversation on and off the pitch".
"Thank you @TrevohChalobah for your honesty and wise words," said a third. "As a Chelsea fan, you're a favourite of mine - but whoever you are this is the kind of role modelling our young need from a role model. Much love and support."
Chalobah scored on his Premier League debut for the Blues against Crystal Palace last season, adding two further goals in his debut campaign as part of the first-team. He played just once this season under Thomas Tuchel before the Gerrman was sacked, but has started several games since Tuchel's replacement Potter took over.
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
