Troubled Griff takes time out
Brendan Rodgers says star will take extended break from football to deal with ‘personal issues’
CELTIC star Leigh Griffiths is taking a break from football to fight gambling and mental health issues. Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers said the 28-year-old striker is “seeking professional help”. Rodgers added: “Leigh will be taken out of football for a little period of time. He has had on-going issues for a number of months and he has done amazing to play to the level and score some of the goals he has. “But he has reached the point where it is a struggle for him. “We are going to give him all the professional help that he possibly needs to get himself into a good place again. “But in order to do that, he needs to find a happiness. He is a father of five children, he is a great guy but football and life is tough for him.
“He has had a number of issues outside of the football environment. Over a considerable period of time, there are bouts of stability there, but too often and too regularly, there are not.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said: “We wish Leigh well and hope to see him back on a pitch pretty soon.”
Former Hearts and Motherwell player Kevin Twaddle – who blew £1million gambling – is a close friend of Griffiths.
He said: “Living the lifestyle of a footballer while you’re gambling is horrendous.”
National team boss Alex McLeish said: “On behalf of everyone at the Scottish FA, we hope Leigh gets back to feeling better soon.”