Bruno: Stay strong, Aaron.. there’s light at end of the tunnel
Player treated over stress
I know that place. I know he will be fine with good support from all of us STAN COLLYMORE FORMER LIVERPOOL AND VILLA STRIKER
EVERTON star Aaron Lennon has been urged by boxer Frank Bruno to “stay positive” after being held by police for his own safety near a motorway.
Officers were called over fears for the welfare of the ex-England ace after he was spotted yards from a psychiatric unit, near the M602 in Salford, Manchester.
It is understood Lennon, 30, wearing a tracksuit, was taken to hospital and is being treated for a stress-related condition.
Concern for the winger – who made his first Premier League appearance aged 16 – prompted a wave of support from across the world of sport.
Former heavyweight champ Bruno, who has battled depression in the past, tweeted: “Stay strong & as positive as possible, there is light at the end of tunnel u will get through this.”
And ex-England striker and BBC presenter Gary Lineker wrote: “Wish @AaronLennon12 all the very best and hope he gets well soon.” Daily Mirror columnist Stan Collymore, who has dealt with mental health issues, also offered his backing.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker wrote: “I know that place, I know he’ll be fine with good support from us all.”
And ex-Queens Park Rangers and Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle, who played with Lennon at Leeds United and who has suffered from depression, tweeted: “Love and blessings to my old team-mate. Nail this now and there’s plenty more left in the tank my friend.”
Everton, who signed Lennon from Spurs in 2015 for £4million, thanked fans “for all the kind messages for Aaron”.
They said in a statement: “Aaron is currently receiving care and treatment for a stressrelated illness. The club is supporting him through this.”
Police were called to help the star on Sunday afternoon.
Elaine Dunning, 53, who lives nearby, said: “I saw a police car parked across the road as if it had stopped suddenly and officers had run after someone.”
Lennon had not played in Everton’s first team since February. The Professional Footballers’ Association said 160 current and former players turned to them last year over psychological welfare issues.