Roy Carroll has revealed how his battle with alcohol addiction almost cost him everything.
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper is an ambassador or NI Wellbeing in Sport.
As part of Sport NI's support of World Mental Health Day (October 10) the 42-year-old has shared his experiences with depression and alcohol addiction.
Carroll won the Premier League and FA Cup with Manchester United, and went on to win 45 caps for his country.
But with the good times also came the dark days.
"I moved to West Ham and was in a slight car crash and damaged my back, but I didn't realise how bad the injury would be," he says in a Sport NI video.
"The injury really got to me and the depression took over, the drink took over, and I was drinking heavily for over three years."
Carroll admits his jovial and upbeat personality in the changing room only masked the issues he was having with alcohol and depression.
"I told my wife I wouldn't drink again, and I went on a six-month bender, drinking, and I had no club for nine months," he added.
"I split up from my wife and kids, and ended up living in a hotel. And I remember thinking to myself, what am I doing, I am going to end up killing myself here. Losing my wife and kids."
Carroll admits he found it hard to share his feelings and emotions, to the extent where he felt he was "going to explode".
He said: "Now, I talk to my wife about everything in my life, and that's what it is all about.
"My wife and I are still together back in Northern Ireland. I still work on my problems off the pitch."
Carroll added: "I have been off the drink now for the last eight-and-a-half years and I know I can't even go out and have one or two pints.
"That's my problem, I am an alcoholic. I have to stay off the drink."
Watch Roy's message here:
The launch of the video is part of Sport NI’s ongoing NI Wellbeing in Sport Action Plan - a six year commitment between Sport NI, the PHA and key partners to improve and support the mental health and wellbeing for people involved in sport across Northern Ireland.
Other Wellbeing in Sport Ambassadors include international middle distance athlete Ciara Mageean, two time Olympic medalist and two time Commonwealth Games boxing gold medalist Paddy Barnes, Commonwealth games silver medalist Carly McNaul and GAA legend Oisin McConville.
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