Former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has revealed his battles with depression left him wanting to kill himself – but hopes speaking out will help others in their own mental health struggles.

The start of all of the FA Cup third-round ties will be delayed for 60 seconds to encourage people to ‘Take A Minute’ to consider their well-being.

The campaign is a collaboration between Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters and the Football Association and Heads Together’s Heads Up campaign, one which is also being supported by the Duke of Cambridge.

“I ring people up and tell them if I don’t feel good. Before, I sat indoors, pulled the curtains, and I’d watch the phone ring.

“I would literally watch people ringing me trying to help me, but I wouldn’t take the calls.

“It’s the worst place to be, having that fear that it’s never going to get better. You have to talk.”