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Brazil star: Seeing a psychologist saved my life

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Richarlison (right), who has failed to register an international goal since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, will seek psychological help after breaking down in tears during a recent match.
Richarlison (right), who has failed to register an international goal since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, will seek psychological help after breaking down in tears during a recent match.

A Brazilian footballer has admitted that a psychologist saved his life when he was at "rock bottom". 

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison burst into tears during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in September last year in an outburst that, according to him, was because of "things that were happening off the field, which got out of control". 

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He went on to say that he would be seeking psychological help to work on his mental state.

More recently, with the Selecao set to take on England and Spain during the March international break, the 26-year-old joined the squad and saw that a psychologist was present in the national side setup for the first time. 

At a press conference ahead of Brazil's upcoming friendly fixtures, the forward emphasised the importance of seeking help from a professional. 

"My speech was important for the team's people. I saw the psychologist there, never before. It was important. And the affection I received from people. We know the prejudice that exists when someone says they are looking for help. I myself had, I don't have it anymore," he said.

"As a national team player with an active voice, I tell people to seek help because it saved my life. I was already at rock bottom. It's very important for the national team to have a psychologist to help the athletes. Only we know the pressure we suffer, not just within , like off the field. I suffered more even outside. It's important to have a psychologist."

He went on to reveal the struggles he endured when he suffered the emotional outburst, and stated that he has managed to put it all behind him. 

"My biggest problem at that moment was off the field, people around me, disappointing me, living in my house. It was seven years living with me. It was my biggest disappointment. That's over now, I'm living beautifully moment," he added. 

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