Hector Bellerin opens up on mental health struggles at Arsenal with message to football authorities

Hector Bellerin, the former Arsenal star, has called for more support in football to tackle mental health issues. He shared his own struggles with mental health during his time at Arsenal, especially after he missed most of 2019 due to a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament and subsequent hamstring problems. This led him to start drinking alcohol.

Bellerin managed to get back on track and even helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in August 2020. He left Arsenal on loan in January 2022 and then made a permanent move to Barcelona in the summer, ending his 11-year stay in north London.

Now playing for Real Betis for the second time, Bellerin is enjoying his football again. However, he knows that many other players are struggling. According to a study from the PFA, one in 10 players will experience depression or anxiety each year, and more and more current and former players are seeking help.

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In an interview with Mirror Football, Bellerin passionately urged authorities to do more to address mental health issues in football. «For me, we are over the time of raising awareness,» said the Spain international. «It's about time to do something.

»Here in Spain, we've had an old team-mate of mine, Victor Camarasa, who is playing in the second division, take time away from the game because of his mental health. It's set a precedent in Spain, it's happening in basketball, gymnastics and I think the life we live is very difficult.

«People excuse it with the money we make… We travel a lot, we play a lot, we get battered every game, I come home with knocks in my legs, I've had