Jan Bednarek has been speaking about why he has left St Mary's and has claimed his mental health was the primary driver, read on to find out what he has been saying.

In an interview with Meczyki, he said:

"Staying at Southampton, I was definitely in a worse place mentally. I needed it [move away]. I was coming back home tired and angry. I wasn't my real self. Now, the old Janek is back. I'm happy and content."

Those who saw the Polish International playing in pre season could tell that he was definitely angry, against Watford he spent most of the game berating his team mates Mohammed Salisu & Armel Bella-Kotchap and had to be almost forced to join the rest of the squad who went over to acknowledge the Saints supporters after the game.

Since going to Aston Villa on loan he has managed just 86 minutes competitive football for the Midlands club, less than he played for Saints on the opening day of the season, he came on as a second half sub for Villa in a 0-0 draw with Leeds United and then after starting the next game against Fulham was hauled off at half time.

These were his first games in 6 weeks after leaving Saints at the end of August and so far under Unai Emery he has not had any game time the new manager leaving him on the bench.

Despite this and not having played a full game in the Premier League since the opening day of the season at Spurs in a 4-1 defeat he has managed to get picked for the Poland World cup squad.

He went on to reveal he had had to seek help with a psychologist:

"I was working with a psychologist. He helped me a lot. A change of club was the only solution. I didn't make that decision myself. Close ones and experts helped me.

"I don't want to say whether it was depression. Maybe it was. We didn't try to look for a diagnosis. We tried to find a solution."

"People have worse problems than me, but this was my problem. Of course, time heals wounds and in this moment, things are better and I'm moving forward. I'm happy."

He doesn't elaborate on just what type of issues he was having at the time, from this perspective i am not going to comment too much, mental health is a something not to be sneered about, but he did get one thing right in, with rising prices, there are those with worse problems than him, at this moment in time there are many who have much more to worry about than a man earning more in a single week, than the majority in a football stadium who watch him earn in 2-3 years.

Photo: Action Images

TimSaint added 16:32 - Nov 14 Despite not playing, I'm sure he has picked up more win bonuses at Villa than he would have at Saints, so I am sure that is helping him stay, as he puts it: 'Happy and Content' !!
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saintmark1976 added 12:01 - Nov 15 Nick, in making the comments you have made in your last paragraph you’ve not covered yourself in glory in my opinion. I’ve no particular interest in the Bednarek situation. However I would point out to you that in many cases an individuals mental health has no relationship whatsoever to their ability or otherwise to earn money and provide for themselves and family. I’m happy to leave the whole extremely complicated problem to the experts.Perhaps upon reflection you will agree that that’s the best solution for all concerned going forward ?

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LoisDeem added 16:38 - Nov 15 Got to be said, there was quite a visible change in JB's form and attendant attitude, and that's where we all need more understanding surely. This man was often one of many fan's favourites and most consistent performer's. Still, that's consistent with my own approach to supporting my team. Starting at never booing or leaving the stadium early, this follows where individual criticism is left in the pub, and character assassination confined to the opposition in 'healthy' arguments. However, this has become very difficult with Saints appearing in unrecognisable kit right across the board. What, in the name of conspiracy theories, is going on at my Saints?

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SanMarco added 21:28 - Nov 15 If he has mental health issues then I wish him the very best of luck. He is, like Ralph, now past tense in terms of Saints. Surely we have plenty of centre-backs still at the club worthy of articles?
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