If there's just one football book you should read, it should be A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke.
Written by German football writer Ronald Reng, the 2011 William Hill Sports Book of the Year was the biography of former Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, who had taken his own life in 2009.
The book gives a keen insight into the way in which depression affected Enke while he simultaneously maintained a career at the elite level of football.
Eight and a half years on from Enke's passing, mental health issues are discussed much more openly within society.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in the interview with Ronald, there are organisations that you can contact including Pieta House. They can be contacted at 1800 247 247. Also Samaritans Ireland who can be reached at the Freephone number: 116 123 or by Text: 087 2 60 90 90.
This week, we were joined by Ronald Reng, who had been friends with Enke, to reflect on his book and to discuss how depression and mental health issues are now discussed within football.
You can listen back to the full interview on the podcast player or stream/download on iTunes:
Recent interviews on Team 33 include former Man United cult hero Andrei Kanchelskis, ex-England international Carlton Palmer, former Newcastle and Everton left back Alessandro Pistone, Chelsea legends Bobby Tambling and Paddy Mulligan, Dutch legend Johan Neeskens, ex-England striker Darius Vassell, Liverpool legend David Fairclough, former Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella and former Everton forward Tomasz Radzinski. Plus our in-depth chats with Tony Coton, Packie Bonner, Nobby Solano, Ron Atkinson and Alan Curbishley are still available on iTunes. You can find them all in one place by subscribing to Team 33 on iTunes.
