The QPR manager Ian Holloway says Steven Caulker, who has struggled with mental illness and addiction, is “in a fantastic place” after he rejoined training with the Championship side’s squad.
Caulker gave an interview to The Guardian in June in which he spoke about the desperate anxiety and self-loathing he felt, revealing he contemplated killing himself in his darkest moments.
The 25-year-old, who has an England cap and a goal to his credit, has not played for QPR since October, although Holloway is grateful that a player of Caulker’s calibre is now working under him again.
“I am delighted to have him back,” Holloway said on Monday. “That is a potential England centre-half again. Obviously it’s not ideal for me because he’s only just been training with me. It’s been pretty well documented. His article in the newspaper was as open as I’ve ever seen any footballer.
“Part of me was really sad about that, part of me was pleased and proud of him to actually admit that and now he’s in a fantastic place. He wants to come back and he wants to work and I can’t believe I’m the lucky person who’s going to work with him.
“The lads feel the same way. For me, now, it’s about helping him, with how up front and honest he’s been, to keep playing, keep working and keep improving. I’m delighted to have him.”
