Caulker has been told not to return for pre-season training at QPR

Steven Caulker has revealed spiralling drinking and gambling addictions led him to contemplate suicide in recent years.

The Queens Park Rangers defender has spent in in rehab to battle his demons which have threatened to end his playing career.

Caulker claims he has been told not to report for pre-season training after bouts of depression pushed him to consider taking his own life.

He told the Guardian: "I've sat here for years hating myself and never understood why I couldn't just be like everyone else.

"This year was almost the end. I felt for large periods there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

"I'd had one last gamble and lost a hell of a lot of money in December.

"It was at that point I finally accepted I could not win. I contemplated suicide a lot in that period. A dark time."

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see http://www.samaritans.org for details.

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Steven Caulker: 'I contemplated suicide over drinking and gambling addictions' - talkSPORT.com