Sheffield United: '˜I nearly killed myself' admits former Blades star after opening-up about his battle with depression

Christian Nade, the former Sheffield United striker, has revealed he tried to drown himself before being diagnosed with depression earlier this year.
Christian Nade in action for Sheffield UnitedChristian Nade in action for Sheffield United
Christian Nade in action for Sheffield United

Nade, who now plays for Troon in the West of Scotland Premiership, made the admission after deciding to speak openly about his mental health issues.

Describing how he walked into the Firth of Forth before being rescued by a friend, the 34-year-old said: "Everyone's got demons to fight but I was losing my battle. I felt I couldn't take life any more and I needed it to stop.

Christian Nade joined Sheffield United from TroyesChristian Nade joined Sheffield United from Troyes
Christian Nade joined Sheffield United from Troyes
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"I texted my family and said, '˜I can't deal with this any more, I'm sorry for everything,' and left my phone by the water. I kept walking further and further in.

'I had been in the freezing water for an hour and it was right up to my neck. Then I heard a friend scream my name. It made me change my mind.

"I heard them shout, then genuinely felt as if someone touched my shoulder to pull me back. But there was nobody there.

"I turned and went back in. The fact I was in the water for an hour maybe proved I didn't want to do it."

Christian Nade later joined HeartsChristian Nade later joined Hearts
Christian Nade later joined Hearts
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Nade, who made 25 Premier League appearances for United before joining Hearts in 2007, considered taking his own life in December 2014; four years before being prescribed medication for his condition.

"I just thought, '˜I don't have time for this anymore'. But it was the worst decision I could have made," Nade added. "I should have been thinking about my family, friends and all the people I love before I did it. But I was thinking about myself, and not them.

"I'm telling my story to help other people. They need to know that there's always another way out."

Nade, who was speaking to the Scottish Sun, joined United from Troyes following their promotion to the top-flight but headed north of the border after scoring four goals in 28 appearances. After three years at Tynecastle, he represented clubs including Dundee, Raith Rovers and Dumbarton before heading to Portland Park.

"I want to talk about all this to show there's hope out there," Nade said.