Robert Enke death: depression revealed
Updated on 11 November 2009
Robert Enke, the Germany goalkeeper who committed suicide, had been battling depression and feared his adopted daughter may be taken away.
The 32-year-old, who played for Hannover 96, was expected to play for Germany at the World Cup in South Africa next year.
But 48 hours after playing for his club in a 2-2 draw against Hamburg on Sunday, he drove to a level crossing, left his car unlocked with his wallet on the seat and he was struck by a train travelling at 100mph between Hamburg and Bremen.
Lower Saxony police spokesman Stefan Wittke said: "I can confirm that there is a farewell letter but out of respect to the family we will not say anything more."
At a press conference, his widow Teresa and his psychologist Dr Valentin Markser revealed that Enke was first treated for depression in 2003 and he feared his adopted eight-month-old daughter Leila might be taken from the family if his depression was revealed.
Mrs Enke said: "When he was acutely depressive it was a very difficult time because he lacked motivation and any hope of improvement. It was difficult to keep it from the public, because it was his distinct wish as he was scared of losing his sport and his private life."
Enke started his career in Germany and later moved to Benfica in Portugal,
Barcelona in Spain and Fenerbahce in Turkey.
The family suffered the loss of their two-year-old daughter Lara in 2006 after she had been diagnosed with a rare heart condition.
Enke himself had recently missed several games with a mysterious bacterial infection.
Mrs Enke added: "The time during the depression was not easy but we got through it together because for a time after Istanbul and Barcelona we were OK and with Doctor Markser's help, we got through it. We took so much hope from this about everything which was possible.
"Also after Lara's death we were so close. We thought we could do everything and we could do it with love but you can't always do it."
Enke had only played eight games for the German team but he was part of the squad that reached the final of Euro 2008 and he had emerged as the front-runner to represent his country in South Africa.
He had been left out of the squad for the match against Chile but the Germany coach Joachim Low said that was "not a decision against, but rather a decision for Robert".
Germany's most famous footballer Franz Beckenbauer said: "I am infinitely sad. When you receive news like this all other problems pale into insignificance."
Hannover president Martin Kind added: "This is an absolute catastrophe, I can't come to terms with it."
And Enke's Germany team-mate Kevin Kuranyi said: "This can and must not be true. Robert was such a great bloke.
"I don't know how I will tell my wife. She is very good friend's with Robert's wife. I feel for his family."
The Germany captain Michael Ballack, who plays for Chelsea, said: "I am stunned. Words fail me."
And Hamburg captain David Jarolim added: "I can hardly breathe because I'm so upset. This is a real tragedy, I can hardly believe it. First his little daughter dies and then this."
Every team in the Bundesliga will wear black armbands in their next match and a minute's silence will be held before kick-off.
