Lazio defender Patric reveals he has never felt stronger, both physically and above all mentally. ‘I did not talk about this publicly before, but I suffered from depression and anxiety.’
The centre-back was often criticised by the fans for his performances, but has won them over in the last year, particularly since Maurizio Sarri arrived to change the tactics from 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 better suited to his characteristics.
“I played as a midfielder at Barcelona, but there were so many of us that they moved me to the wing,” said the Spanish defender in his press conference.
“With Simone Inzaghi out of nowhere we suddenly found ourselves playing 3-5-2 and I am by no means a wing-back. I slowly managed to adapt and earn my place in the back three and felt better there.”
However, he also reveals that there was a very difficult period in his life during the 2019-20 season, when Lazio were challenging for the Scudetto before collapsing after the COVID lockdown.
“I did not talk about this publicly, but I feel that this is a good opportunity do so now. I suffered a lot when I was at home alone during the lockdown. I suffered from depression and anxiety, everything seemed dark to me.
“I started working with a mental coach and other experts in mental health. I had to go through my worst season at Lazio, playing constantly because Luiz Felipe was injured, so that I could grow.
“I could’ve given up then, but I didn’t. Now I am happy with the man I have become.”
Patric is confident it has also helped him become a better player on the field too.
“Mentality makes a big difference. Sometimes when you are young and over-enthusiastic, it can lead you to make mistakes. I have really improved in that sense.”
Yet he assures that does not mean emotion has been removed from his performances entirely, as when Lazio received a last-gasp penalty against Fiorentina, he did not watch Ciro Immobile take the spot-kick.
“I am still a very passionate person and at times I look back at things I’ve done and feel a bit embarrassed. It was a spontaneous reaction not to look, but also wonderful to see the fans in the crowd explode with joy when the ball went in.”
Lazio are back in action on Friday evening against high-flying Bologna.