'I've had many challenges': Ex-Tottenham star Harry Kane opens up about mental health struggles and support

Former Tottenham star and England captain Harry Kane believes mental health is just as important as physical health and wants people to get all the support they need. 

Kane, who has participated in a film that will be shown to British kids this week says he's suffered a lot of challenging times and has only been able to get through it because of the support he gets from loved ones. 

He told the DailyMirror: "I’ve had many challenging times throughout my life and my career. Connecting and talking to my friends, family and teammates is key for me."

"Life is full of experiences that sometimes we don’t have control over. As we go through tough times we learn more about ourselves and build resilience. But most often we can’t do this alone and need the support of others."

The England captain who joined Tottenham as a nine-year-old is the club's top scorer with 280 top-flight goals before his move to German giants Bayern Munich last summer. 

Speaking more about building a community of support to help with mental health, Kane admitted his parents, wife and brother have been his shoulder to lean on when times get rough. He added: "If anything was bothering me or I had on my mind, I always went to them to talk to and they were always there to support me."

The 30-year-old also highlighted the healing power of talking and exercising which can help people struggling with mental health. He concluded: 

"I think the most important thing is to stay focused and show resilience and work hard. As a footballer, I need to prioritise my physical fitness, but it’s just as important to keep my mind fit, too.

"I think exercise is really important. I feel that puts you in a good mindset. Also, just talking. Talking about how you are feeling, whether it’s good or bad, whether it’s friends, family or support networks, what it may be. I think just getting stuff off your chest and talking is really important."

Kane is currently the Bundesliga's top scorer with 22 goals and has settled smoothly into life as a Bavarian.