Griffiths thanks fans for helping him make 'incredible' return from depression battle
Leigh Griffiths played his first game of professional football since December last year
Last updated 22nd Jul 2019
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths admits returning to action has been a major boost after a long battle with depression.
Griffiths made his first appearance since December 2018 last week when he came off the bench in a Champions League qualifier against Sarajevo after taking time out of football to address his problems.
After the match, the striker posted a heartfelt thank you on social media for the support he has received since taking a break from football to deal with personal issues.
He called the reception from the crowd as he came on to the pitch "incredible" and that it was a moment he'd been looking forward to for a very long time.
"It was just great to be back on the pitch with the boys,'' he said. "It's been very hard, very lonely at times. Without the help of the club, friends, family and support that I had, I wouldn't be sitting here now.
"So it's a massive thank-you to them. It's been a long, difficult road but thankfully there is light at the end of the tunnel."
The Celtic number 9 also opened up about his mental health issues which led to his eight-month break from football.
He encouraged others to be more open about the problems they are going through.
"What's happening in society nowadays, I think a lot of people are taking their own life. Maybe if they open up and speak up a little bit it can save lives" Griffiths said.
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