Aaron’s leading the way

OPENING UP: Lennon AARON LENNON hopes he has paved the way for footballers to speak openly about their mental health.

But the Burnley winger doesn’t believe dressing rooms are too macho for players to show feelings.

Lennon, 31, has battled back from being detained under the Mental Health Act 18 months ago.

Police were called when a distressed Lennon was spotted by the side of a busy road on the outskirts of Manchester.

The former England international, who was then at Everton, sought professional help before the Toffees offered their support to get him back playing football.

But it was the move to Turf Moor almost 12 months ago that helped him fall back in love with football.

Saved

“I never really thought, ‘this is it, this is the end of my career’ but I wasn’t enjoying it,” said Lennon.

“You could say that the move saved my career.

“I came here at the right time and everyone at the football club, the lads, the staff, have been great. I’m enjoying it. My love for football never went, I just wasn’t enjoying it.”

His mental health problems ran deeper than just football.

“There are probably a lot of footballers who don’t want to come out and speak about it,” said Lennon, whose side host Newcastle on Monday.

“Dressing rooms are competitive places but I know if I’d spoken to a few of the lads, they would have helped me and probably put their arm around me.”