Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has candidly shared his long-standing struggle with depression, spanning his entire football career, in a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO podcast.

In the interview, Henry revealed that he had never spoken openly about his battle with depression because societal expectations often demanded him to appear flawless.

He acknowledged that, unknowingly, he had been dealing with depression throughout his life.

“Throughout my career and since I was born, I must have been in depression. Did I know it? No. Did I do something about it? No. But I adapted to a certain way,” confessed Henry.

The football icon emphasized the importance of resilience, expressing that even though he may not have walked a straight path, he always kept moving forward. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant shift.

“Covid happened. I was in isolation in Montreal and not being able to see my kids for a year was tough,” said Henry. During this period, the emotional toll on the football legend became more evident.

“I was crying almost every day for no reason. Tears were coming alone. Why? I don’t know, but maybe they were there for a very long time. Technically, it wasn’t me; it was the young me. [Crying for] everything he didn’t get, approval,” he shared.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Henry pointed out the influence of his father, who was often critical of his performance.

He explained how constant remarks about not meeting expectations during his early years had a lasting impact.

“Very particular at times on how I was as a player. As a little boy it was always ‘you didn’t do that well’. So obviously when you hear that more often than not, that’s what’s going to stay.”