Clarke Carlisle reveals December lorry accident was suicide attempt

Clarke Carlisle has revealed the injuries that kept him in hospital for six weeks were the result of a suicide attempt.

The former Professional Footballers' Association chairman was hit by a lorry in Yorkshire in December, two days after he was charged with failing to provide a sample when stopped on suspicion of drink-driving.

Carlisle left hospital last week, and the 35-year-old has now spoken frankly about his mental health issues.

He told The Sun newspaper he believed at the time suicide was "the perfect answer", adding that only his time in hospital had made him realise he was "incredibly unwell".

"I had to die," he said. "This wasn't escaping or running away. This was the perfect answer. It made everyone happy and it ticked every box.

"I took two steps into the road and then jumped into the truck, like a full shoulder charge. I can remember that impact. Bang. Then lights out. I don't know how long had passed. It must have been a few minutes."

Carlisle's wife Gemma says the couple decided to speak out to "highlight and create understanding" of mental health issues.

She wrote on her Twitter page: "Please if anyone is suffering ... know that it WILL get better. I can promise you that. Reach out to someone, anyone. You're not alone.

"We send our love and thoughts to the lorry driver and family. It could have been anyone and Clarke is desperately sorry that it was him. Suicide and depression is not selfish. It's a serious illness where your world and reality are warped."