Robbie Savage has spoken out about his struggles with mental health issues and revealed he still visits a doctor every month.

The former Derby, Leicester, Blackburn and Birmingham midfielder has formed a successful career in the media since hanging up his boots, reports Wales Online.

But Savage admits he still feels "insecure" when he's away from the microphone or the TV cameras.

“I speak to a doctor, called Tim, once or twice every month,” Savage told the Telegraph.

“I use him to open up and just try and get the perspective and reassurance he gives me. He has been a huge benefit to me in my life.

Savage during his playing days at Derby (
Image:
PA Wire)
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"As soon as the lights go out and the mic is off I go back into my shell. I go home, I worry. I am insecure, very insecure.

“How different am I to the man on television? Completely different. The people that know me will back that up. People will see me on TV and have a perception of me which is completely and utterly wrong, though I have my opinions and everything I say I believe.

“When I am on the TV and radio some people will look at me and think, ‘Look at him, full of life and enjoying life’. That’s also with how I look and people can come up with the wrong perception.

“When I go home I have the same worries and troubles as everyone else. For me, it’s difficult, as sometimes you just have to put on a show, but if I have a bad day at work I fear I could get sacked just like everybody.

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“I might not think I am good enough for a role, or wonder whether people will know who I am because I didn’t have a good enough football career. I think people always like to put me down and that’s difficult to deal with.

“When I broke my leg [playing for Blackburn in 2007] I was in a dark place, a bad place. Similarly, since I retired you don’t know what’s around the corner. I admit there are times still now [when I struggle] – which is why I have a doctor I speak to for reassurance.”

Savage has spoken publicly on numerous occasions about the tragic death of former Wales player and manager Gary Speed in 2011.

And the Welshman is urging players to seek help rather than suffering in silence.

Savage has forged a successful career in the media (
Image:
REUTERS)

“Lots of current and ex-footballers, or just people in the workplace, suffer from these mental health issues but don’t speak,” added Savage.

“Gary was a close friend. He didn’t open up to anybody. If he had we could still be talking about Gary and how he is still here.

"I wish he had spoken up about his troubles to prevent what happened. I was with him three weeks before and there were no signs. He was the Gary Speed I played with. My captain, a fantastic leader. Doing great with Wales.”

Savage has helped to front the "Not a Red Card" campaign, an initiative that aims to tackle the stigma around mental health. For more information, visit www.legalandgeneral.com/notaredcard.