JESSE LINGARD showed off his caring side by sending out mental health packages to his pals – before revealing his new ‘Be Yourself’ tattoo.
The West Ham star – currently on-loan from Manchester United – has been open and honest with his own battles with mental health in recent months.
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Earlier this month, Lingard, 28, opened up about his struggle to cope with his mum’s depression and how it affected him both on and off the pitch.
But the in-form midfielder is keen to make sure his family and friends are looked after by sending care packages to them.
Derby’s former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe shared a picture of Lingard’s thoughtful gift on Instagram.
Earlier this year, Ibe revealed he was in a ‘dark place’ and was suffering from depression.
In the package are two self-help books and some incense – as well as a personalised note.
Sharing the picture with his 535,000 followers, Ibe captioned the snap: “I value the love that has been on view.
“All respect for the package my bro @jesselingard.”
Lingard also treated himself to a new tattoo, with the words ‘Be Yourself’ written on his bicep.
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Tattoo artist Dale McGovern shared a picture of Lingard getting his new ink on Instagram, captioned: “Good to see my bro @jesselingard.”
In a separate post – a close-up of Lingard’s new body-art – McGovern added: “Fresh ink for the broski.”
Last week, Lingard told new YouTube show Presenting about how opening up to Man Utd about his mental health did him the world of good.
The 2018 World Cup star said: “I feel like I wasn’t Jesse Lingard.
“Even in football matches, I felt like the game was just passing me by, like I just didn’t want to be there – it was crazy.
“I could see myself playing but watching the game back I just think that’s not me, that’s not how I play.”
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Lingard continued: “You go from the World Cup to some performances I’ve seen myself playing and something needed to change.
“I was going into games happy sitting on the bench and that’s not me. My mind wasn’t there, I wasn’t focused at all.
“I was thinking about other things and obviously bottling it all up trying to play football, you’re tense, you’re stressed and you can’t do it.
“I opened up to United and told them what I was going through, what my mum was going through and they’re always there to help.
“I’ve had doctors that have helped which has been brilliant and during the lockdown I got my head together.”
*If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.
