Robert Enke’s wife Teresa has revealed that the Germany goalkeeper has been battling depression and was first treated for the illness in 2003.
Enke’s widow Teresa and his psychologist Dr Valentin Markser appeared at a press conference at Hannover’s AWD-Arena to explain the background to his death.
It was revealed that Enke was first treated for depression during his time at Barcelona, for whom he made only one Primera Division appearance.
Teresa revealed that Enke feared that their adopted daughter Leila would be taken away if the illness became public knowledge.
The couple adopted the eight-month-old in May. The couple lost their biological daughter Lara in 2006 when she died of a rare heart condition at the age of just two.
Teresa added that it was a very difficult time when he was acutely depressive as he lacked motivation and no hope of improvement.
Dr Markser said he had been treating Enke since 2003, during a turbulent time when the goalkeeper had several unsuccessful transfers to clubs in Spain and Turkey.
The doctor revealed that Enke suffered from depression and fear of failure. Markser also said the player refused to be treated on the day of his suicide, saying he was feeling well.
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Video of Robert Enke with daughter Lara