Brazilian Richarlison made a great start to the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022 - he scored both goals against Serbia in the opening match, the second of which made many TV highlights.
He also hit the net against South Korea in the round of 16, and then in the quarterfinals against Croatia, his dream - almost his life - fell apart.
"I played in the World Cup, in the biggest competition possible, I was at my peak," the Tottenham forward told ESPN Brazil.
"And then I suddenly found myself at the border. I don't know, I don't want to talk about suicide, but I was so depressed that I wanted to give up football myself".
Croatia shocked the Brazilians in the quarter-finals and celebrated with a better penalty shootout.
"Even me, who looked like I was mentally strong. After the World Cup, everything seemed to fall apart."
Richarlison admitted he sought professional help after he was photographed crying on the bench after being substituted in the qualifier against Bolivia, which the Brazilians won 5-1.
"I wanted to stay alone in my house, to shut myself in my room, because I don't know what was going through my head. I even went and told my dad that I was going to quit."
"It's a bit sad to talk like that. What I went through after the World Cup... To go to my father, who was a guy who chased my dream with me, and to tell him that I'm going to give up, that's crazy".
Richarlison admits that going to a psychologist was a saving decision.
"I think the therapist, whether I liked it or not, saved me. He saved my life. I was only thinking about nonsense... That's why I tell all athletes not to be shy
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