Ezequiel Lavezzi Opens Up on Depression and Psychiatric Clinic Admission After Retirement

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has spoken openly about his struggles with depression following retirement, revealing he was admitted to a psychiatric clinic and crediting close friend Lionel Messi and the birth of his son with helping him through it.

The Argentine forward retired from professional football in December 2019, ending his career at Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune. During his time in Europe, he enjoyed a successful spell at Napoli and later won ten major domestic honours with PSG. But he says the sudden loss of routine after retiring left a difficult void to fill.

Speaking to Prime Video, Lavezzi reflected on that period and how he has slowly worked through it.

"When I stopped playing, a void appeared and there was nothing to fill it," he said. "I suffered from depression, I was admitted to a clinic, and I am currently taking medication and undergoing treatment; step by step, I am recovering. The birth of my son changed my life, he brings me so much joy and makes me feel alive. He gave me the strength to keep going."

Lavezzi also had a message for others going through similar struggles.

"To anyone who is suffering, I say that with humility and the will to fight, you can get through it," he said.

He spoke about the support he received from people across football, singling out his friendship with Messi in particular.

"The football world stood right by my side, so many people were there for me, like Messi, Aguero, and Paolo Cannavaro," Lavezzi said. "I share a special friendship with Messi; we talk about all sorts of things, he is a fantastic person."

Now 41, Lavezzi continues his recovery under medical care, supported by his family. His openness sheds light on the mental health challenges many professional athletes face once their playing careers come to an end.