London, Oct. 7 (ANI): Millionaire Premier League stars, who are used to living life in the fast lane, are being offered counselling for suffering from depression.
Stoke City is leading the attack on depression by offering all its players advice from top mental health experts, with super-rich England striker Peter Crouch, 31 who is married to model Abbey Clancy, 26, and Michael Owen, 32 seeking help.
The Potters, whose players earn an average of 22,000 pounds a week, launched their initiative after former striker Vincent Pericard retired at 29 following years battling depression.
The former France international had said that moving to England to play football had left him "very lonely".
"I think loneliness is one of the major factors in my career. I left my family and friends to go to a different country where I couldn't speak the language," The Sun quoted Pericard, as saying.
"More has to be done to help players - particularly foreign ones - not to repeat my mistakes," he warned.
Vincent set up Elite Welfare Organisation, which offers footballers the chance to speak to doctors, psychologists and other experts. The stars can be counselled at home or in a private Cheshire retreat.
The Frenchman will work with retired footballer Leon McKenzie to urge players to discuss their problems. (ANI)
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