Leigh Griffiths: Celtic striker was reported missing by worried pals in desperate ‘cry for help’ during mental health crisis as he battles personal demons
Hoops boss Rodgers pledged his support for Griffiths, 28, and said "footballers aren't robots"
LEIGH Griffiths is receiving specialist support as he fights demons including a gambling addiction.
The help comes after worried pals on Monday alerted cops the Celtic star, 28, was missing.
He was found in Edinburgh, nine miles from home.
Brendan Rodgers revealed Griffiths is battling a number of personal demons then insisted: “Footballers aren’t robots."
The Celtic manager used his press conference to pledge vital support to the troubled striker who he branded “a vulnerable guy with a special talent”.
It’s believed Griffiths is struggling with issues including gambling and illness. Those combined and led to a moment Rodgers called a “cry for help”.
Concerned friends called cops to reported the ace missing from his home in Wallyford, East Lothian, at 6.20pm on Monday.
He was traced two hours later nine miles away in Edinburgh city centre.
And he is set for a spell on the sidelines as he recovers from the mental health crisis.
Rodgers said: “People see football players with money and the public associate that with everything being all right — but that’s not always the case.
“Footballers aren’t robots. They’re young guys who still have issues — it’s just they’re very, very talented.”
When asked if the attacker had a gambling problem, Rodgers replied: “It’s a number of issues. Normally people with those issues have more than one and it snowballs into other aspects of their lives.
“Listen, I’m not a specialist but I’ve been around it long enough to see a trend in behaviours.
“And I also know the pressures of football at huge clubs and what the demands of that are. What you have here is a vulnerable guy but who is a special talent.”
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The Parkhead boss admitted a “few” team-mates were “probably aware of it”.
He went on: “A couple of the senior players rang me when I got to know about an incident that happened.”
We told how the Scotland hero recently admitted being through “dark times” while struggling with injury and illness.
And when asked if it had been a relief for Griffiths to admit his problems, Rodgers said he hoped the revelations would put him firmly on the road to recovery.
He said: “For guys who have issues and you ask them what their best day was, it’s when it all comes out.
“I remember talking to a player who had huge gambling issues and when I quizzed him on what was the best feeling he said was when his wife caught him because that finished it and he could start to make himself better.
“Until that point he was living a lie. Sometimes that can be your life.
“Now once it’s out there, hopefully it can draw a line under the issues for Leigh and the club, players, fans can all support him and give him time to become better.”
Rodgers confirmed the forward, who has netted 104 goals in four years at Celtic, will sit out games to get specialist help.
He insisted the dad of five needs to “find happiness” to aid his recovery.
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The Northern Irishman said: “Leigh is coming out of football for a little while. He needs professional help with issues which have been ongoing with him for quite some time. There is no period set really, it’s just time and we’ll see how it goes.
“Most important is he’s the father of five children and it’s just giving him enough time to make himself right and feel good and better.
“But in order to do that he needs to find a happiness. He’s done amazing to get through, to play to the level and score some of the goals he has.
“He’s a great guy but football and life is tough for him right now.
“We want to help him. I’m very close with him. We have a strong relationship but he’s had number of issues outside of football.”
Rodgers added the falling stigma around mental health and perceived frailty was fortunately on its way out.
He said: “For men, in years gone by, talking about these things was viewed as a weakness. At least now that’s been broken and it’s no longer a weakness.
“And whatever actions that take place, there is genuine help there, instead of it being brushed under the carpet.
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“Just because you are a talented sportsman, doesn’t mean you are not vulnerable. In my experience of working daily for 25 years, sometimes the higher-profile players can be the most vulnerable.
“There’s so much more to lose. The guys who have been given great talent, they are not immune because they earn 'X' amount of pounds. The most important thing for managers and coaches is the welfare of players.
“He has all of our support — the team, staff and supporters.”
The shock news came as Griffiths’ youngest daughter Ellie celebrated her birthday yesterday with mum Linzi McCartney, 27, in Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.
He also has Rhys, seven, and Jacob, five, with Linzi and Kacie, seven, with Vikki Burns, 27, as well as Layla, six, with Emma Cameron.
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His brother Aaron led scores of fans and players with messages of support.
He tweeted: “Wishing my brother the very best of luck and hope to see him back on the pitch at Celtic with a smile on his face. Love you bro stay strong and keep chin up xx”
And Bhoys hero John Hartson — a recovering gambling addict — offered his personal help.
The Welsh ace added: “This is not about Leigh Griffiths’ football — this is more for Leigh’s peace of mind and the rest of his life.
“If I can be of any help or guidance for Leigh then I’m prepared to help. Celtic as a club know this.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We were called to a report of concern for a person in Wallyford. The person was found safe and well less than two hours later in Edinburgh city centre.”
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