Former Wales and Leicester City footballer Robbie Savage found a new army of fans when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, however, in today’s Daily Star, Robbie has revealed that he’s suffered from depression since he retired from footie.

37 year old Robbie explained that following an injury to his leg in 2007, he often couldn’t play in pro-matches, and being on the benches caused him to be depressed and experience feelings of “emptiness.”

He said, “I’ve suffered depression when I broke my leg in 2007 and at times now because I’m retired. In the daytime, the boredom sets in.

“Even though I’ve got some fantastic jobs, I’m not a footballer any more and that’s all I ever wanted to be. It is difficult.”

However, Robbie, who played midfield, added that although his own professional situation ended unhappily, things are often worse for other players…

He said, “It’s tough for footballers who haven’t played at the highest level, because for 20 years they’ve played in League 2 and won’t be that well off.

“Then they’ll have to get a job, so I think it’s very hard for them. A lot of footballers do charity stuff and challenges because it keeps your mind busy.

“Otherwise you can feel empty.”

He added, “I’m going to Kenya in October for ten days to help build a school.”

And Robbie also revealed that he was a close friend of tragic Gary Speed who hanged himself last November, aged just 42.

Of the need for some form of support for athletes, Robbie said, “More needs to be done. There should be a support group.”

The paper adds, “Working with Indesit, Robbie has designed home appliance accessories to raise money for SportsAid.”