New book reveals Gary Speed could have been fighting depression for over 25 years
New evidence has come to light which points to Gary Speed's fight with depression dated back more than 25 years.
In 2011 the former Leeds United midfielder was found hanged in his garage by his wife.
Friends and family couldn't put their finger on why he'd taken his life.
But today a new book titled 'the untold story by his family' was published by close friend and journalist John Richardson which revealed how as a teenager he considered ending it all.
While looking for pictures Gary's wife Louise came across a letter that she had received when Speed was at Leeds United.
In the letter Gary told his schoolgirl sweet heart that he hoped to go to sleep and never wake up. He was just 17 years old when he wrote the letter.
Richardson sees the letter as a sign that the former Sheffield United player had been dealing with depression since his time at Elland Road.
An inquest into Gary's death said he didn't commit suicide but it could have been a dramatic gesture.
For more information or if you know of anyone who would like advice or support about a mental health problem, you can visit any of the following websites: