Manchester United centre-half Lisandro Martinez has been through a lot in his career and has learned to deal with the pressures of modern football through therapy
Lisandro Martinez walking after Manchester United lost the Europa League final
Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury-ridden season with Manchester United
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez has given a heartfelt account of his struggles with mental health, including the life-changing impact of therapy on his journey toward personal well-being.
In a deeply personal interview, the defender spoke openly about the internal battles he faced while playing in the Netherlands and how they continued to challenge him upon moving to United last year. "I've been in therapy since I was at Ajax," he revealed to Clank Media.
"I was always against it until I found myself at a point in my life in Amsterdam where I had everything... I played for a European team, I was in the national team, I had the car I always wanted, I played every weekend, and I still felt empty, like I wasn't happy.
"It's not an easy process. You have to have the humility to accept being a normal person. Yes, I'm a footballer, but it's a profession, it's a sport, and we're all people."
Therapy became a transformative experience for the player. "Since I started, I haven't stopped," says Martinez, noting the profound change in mindset.
"I understood that you shouldn't look for anything outside but rather inside. I found happiness and peace with myself, which is priceless."
His reflections on his upbringing in Gualeguay, Argentina, convey a tale of tenacity born from hardship. "I come from a very poor background," he disclosed (via the Mirror).
"I know what it is to struggle, to be hungry, cold, hot. Did I go hungry? Yes. From a very young age, we were a very large family. Three families lived together, my grandparents, my uncles and cousins, all on the same plot of land."
Scarcity was common with meals often reduced to just tea and bread for dinner, yet Martinez remains appreciative. "Maybe without that, today I wouldn't be who I am," he reflected. "What percentage of chances are there for a kid from Gualeguay, from the neighbourhood I came from, to get to where I am today?"
Ruben Amorim watching Lisandro Martinez leave the pitch on a stretcher
Lisandro Martinez suffered an ACL injury in February
Despite setbacks from injuries, Martinez has persistently risen since becoming a professional in 2016. His pivotal transfer to Ajax in 2019 saw him excel as his team clinched two successive Eredivisie championships in 2021 and 2022.
After joining Erik ten Hag at United in 2022, he realised a childhood dream by winning the World Cup with Argentina in December of that year.
Success at United has thus far been bound to just domestic cup victories to date, but when in form, Martinez has showcased his capacity to meet the challenges head-on.
Martinez's future at United seemed uncertain after Ten Hag's exit in 2024, particularly given his patchy injury record. However, the 27-year-old, who suffered another setback with an ACL injury in February, claims to have a strong rapport with new head coach Amorim, who has injected "energy and willingness" into the team.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim walks off between Amad Diallo of Manchester United (L) and Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 22, 2024 in Manchester, England
It was a dour season for all involved with Man United
"The club is obviously going through a process of change," Martinez stated. "Since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, they haven't found a manager who hits the right note. Ten Hag did a remarkable job at Ajax, which is why he went to United, and thanks to him, I joined the club as well.
"It's like everything in life: you take a gamble, and sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn't. I think that, like any club, if something isn't working, it needs to be changed. It's necessary to analyse what's working and what isn't and make changes accordingly because that's how great clubs operate. Manchester is one of the best clubs in the world.
"Now Ruben Amorim has arrived with very good energy and willingness. I believe he will make the necessary changes. Without a doubt change is needed, because where we ended up in the table over the last two seasons is unacceptable."