Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shared an emotional statement on Instagram, in which he said "talking saved my life."
The England international has endured a challenging season, with injuries and a lack of form preventing him from reaching the heights of the previous two terms.
However, Calvert-Lewin finished the season on a high and scored the iconic winning goal for the Toffees in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Thursday, securing their Premier League status in the process.
A day on from the season ending, the former Sheffield United man shared a message on his Instagram page, in which he reveals some off-field issues he has had to contend with with throughout the course of the campaign.
"First of all thank you to you fans for sticking by us this season and for continuing to inspire us right until the last day of the season. The main goal became to stay in the Premier League and I don’t believe that would have happened without your unbelievable support.
"On a personal note I have had to dig deep within myself at times this season and have endured some of the most difficult times of my career and my life to date. The love and support helped carry me through.
"One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel.
"To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life. It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you’ll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses.
"Finishing the season on a high meant everything to me, enjoy the break Toffee fans you deserve it. May the pressure continue to be a privilege."
