Everton winger Aaron Lennon, 30, has been detained under the Mental Health Act after a 20-minute stand-off with police near the M602 motorway in Salford on Sunday afternoon. Officers were called at around 4:35pm over concerns for his welfare after he was spotted standing at the side of Stott Lane, close to Salford Royal Hospital.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment. Everton later issued a statement saying Lennon is receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness, and the club is supporting him and his family, who have appealed for privacy.
Lennon's representative, Base Soccer Agency, tweeted: 'Everyone at Base Soccer sends their support to @AaronLennon12 - get well soon and stay strong.' A number of sporting figures also expressed support, including Frank Bruno, who wrote: 'You will get through this boss,' and Andrew Flintoff, who said: 'Lots of love and wishes... another cruel example of how mental illness can affect anybody.'
Lennon, capped 21 times for England, joined Everton permanently in 2015 from Tottenham Hotspur for £4 million but has not played since February. His detention highlights ongoing awareness of mental health issues in sport, with several athletes, including Rio Ferdinand and Leighton Baines, recently speaking about their struggles.
