'Before ADHD diagnosis, I saw my football career as a failure'

A former professional footballer has spoken out about his adult ADHD diagnosis to raise awareness of the condition.

Mark Phillips, who played for Southend United, Millwall, Brentford, and AFC Wimbledon, was diagnosed earlier this year, aged 43.

He said he had always known he was "different in some kind of way" and in the past it had "manifested itself negatively".

"You compare yourself to others. You become different characters trying to fit in. Before I got diagnosed, I saw my career as a failure, which is quite a sad thing to say."

A recent Professional Footballers' Association survey suggested 60% of footballers who have a neurodiversity condition would not feel comfortable telling their club.

Phillips agreed that it could be a difficult decision: "As a footballer, as a young footballer, striving to be in a team and trying to cement my career as a solid first-team player, I don't think I would have said it.

"There's always that worry in the back of your head - so I think that 60%, it is probably higher."

Some sportspeople who have said they have ADHD:

• Simone Biles: Gymnast

• Adam Peaty: Swimmer

• Bubba Watson: Golfer

• Dean Windass: Former footballer

• James Haskell: Former rugby union player

• Jermaine Pennant: Former footballer

• Sir Lewis Hamilton: Formula One racing driver

• Lucy Bronze: Footballer

• Michael Phelps: Swimmer

• Nicola Adams: Boxer

Source: ADHD UK

Through his website, The ND Footballer, Phillips said he wanted to encourage more openness of a subject rarely talked about in men's football.

He said he had been inspired by England and Chelsea star Lucy Bronze and Manchester United and Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, who have both spoken publicly about their diagnoses of neurodiversity conditions.

"I think it's amazing. I think that vulnerability that the women are showing is such a human characteristic that we can all kind of buy into.

"We all struggle to express our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, but actually what I've learned, is that they're actually strengths.

"It's so powerful, these players, sportspeople, to be role models for other people who are struggling and you can kind of look at them and think: 'They did it, why can't I?'"

Mark Phillips made 60 appearances for Brentford in a two-year spell after signing from Millwall

Neurodiversity and sport

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn and process information. This includes individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

Understanding these differences is key to ensuring that neurodivergent athletes and coaches can thrive in sports clubs, school sport and competitive environments.

ADHD has a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity.

It affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses and manage their energy levels.

Source: Sport England