Gonzalo Higuain, the former Chelsea and Juventus striker, has claimed that he “lived unnaturally” while playing football at the highest level.
The Argentine forward, who is currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, made the comments in an interview with the BBC.
Higuain, who has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Napoli and AC Milan, said that the pressure of playing at the top level was immense and that it took a toll on his mental health.
“I lived unnaturally,” he said. “I was always under pressure, always trying to prove myself. I was always trying to be the best, to be the top scorer, to be the most important player.”
He added that the pressure was so intense that it was difficult to enjoy his football.
“I was always trying to be perfect,” he said. “I was always trying to be the best, to be the top scorer, to be the most important player. But I was never able to enjoy it.”
Higuain also spoke about the importance of mental health in football and how it is often overlooked.
“Mental health is very important in football,” he said. “It’s something that is often overlooked, but it’s something that can have a huge impact on a player’s performance.”
He added that it was important for players to take care of their mental health and to be aware of the pressures they are under.
“It’s important to be aware of the pressures that you are under and to be able to manage them,” he said. “It’s important to be able to talk to someone and to be able to express your feelings.”
Higuain’s comments come at a time when mental health in football is becoming increasingly important.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in football, with players such as Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford speaking out about their own struggles.
It is clear that mental health is an issue that needs to be taken seriously in football, and Higuain’s comments are a reminder of the importance of looking after your mental health.
