England's Danny Rose opens up about his depression diagnosis and his safety fears for the World Cup

England defender Danny Rose, who was sidelined for eight months after suffering a serious knee injury back in January 2017, is being widely praised for opening up about his struggle with depression.

The Tottenham full-back, 27, has also spoken about his fears about racist abuse at the World Cup in Russia, which has him so worried that he’s asked his family to stay at home.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been through a testing time at Tottenham this season,” Rose told The Independent. “It led to me seeing a psychologist and I was diagnosed with depression, which nobody knows about.”

He added: “I haven’t told my mum or my dad, and they are probably going to be really angry reading this, but I’ve kept it to myself until now.

“England has been my salvation and I can’t thank the manager and the medical staff enough.”

Rose went on to describe how his uncle had taken his own life and how his mother had been racially abused recently, both of which affected him massively.

“And then someone came to the house and nearly shot my brother in the face - a gun was fired at my house,” he added.

Clearly, he’s been going through an incredibly tough period in his life.

Read more: What happened when I tried to book a room for two gay men during the Russian World Cup

Football watchers and commentators were quick to praise Rose’s honesty and openness.

Gary Lineker said: “This is brave and honest from Danny Rose. Good luck to him.”

Author Michael Calvin added: “A World Cup winners’ medal would not be adequate reward for Danny Rose. He has done his generation, and future generations, a huge service by his searing candour about mental health, and a range of fundamental issues. Massive respect.”

Football writer Daniel Storey said: “Awful that Danny Rose suffers from depression, fantastic that he has used his platform to talk about it. Footballers shouldn’t *have* to be role models, but they have the power to do so much good if they choose to. The words, their timing and the person uttering them all matter.

“It shouldn’t need repeating, but often does: These aren’t football robots, they’re human beings who suffer the same travails as any other. Wealth and fame are no vaccination against mental illness.”

And speaking about his concerns about racism in Russia, Rose told the Evening Standard: “I’ve told my family I don’t want them going out there because of racism and anything else that may happen. I don’t want to be worrying when I’m trying to prepare for games for my family’s safety.

“My dad’s really upset. I could hear it in his voice. He said he may never get a chance again to come and watch me in a World Cup. That was emotional, hearing that. It’s really sad. It’s just how it is. Somehow Russia got the World Cup and we have to get on with it.”

When contacted, FIFA did not provide a new statement but referred us to this page. 

– If you’re struggling with depression, you can reach out to the supporting people at Mind.

(Images: Getty)