Konate opens up on depression after Jota and father's deaths

Ibrahima Konate has spoken candidly about battling depression during Liverpool’s season after the deaths of Diogo Jota and his father Hamady. The France defender said the losses left him emotionally overwhelmed and affected his performances on the pitch.

Konate explained that Jota’s death in a car crash last July had a devastating impact on him, especially because the Portuguese forward had been one of his neighbours on Merseyside. He said he lost all interest in football and other aspects of life before returning to action because he felt he had no choice as a Liverpool player.

He also described the strain of coping with his father’s long illness at the same time. Konate said he kept his feelings to himself and did not know who to talk to, but now urges others to speak openly when they are struggling. He said depression is real in football and should not be dismissed just because players earn high wages.

Konate returned early from compassionate leave in January to help Liverpool during an injury crisis, but he admitted he never truly felt recovered. He made 51 appearances across the season, mostly as a starter, yet was unable to consistently reproduce his best form as Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old said the support of fans, teammates and his family helped him keep going, but he still had to learn to stand on his own again. He added that his father would have wanted him to return to football and continue fulfilling his responsibilities. Konate is now part of France’s World Cup squad and is expected to play a major role for Didier Deschamps’ side.