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Per Mertesacker writes emotional blog about former team-mate Robert Enke on the eighth anniversary of his suicide: 'He positively influenced my life like no other colleague'

Per Mertesacker has paid an emotional tribute to his former friend and team-mate Robert Enke on the eighth anniversary of his tragic suicide.

Ex-Benfica goalkeeper Enke took his own life at the age of 32 when, on November 10, 2009, he stepped out in front of a train in Neustadt am Rubenberge in Germany.

Enke, who was a Germany international and had also played for Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach, suffered with depression following the death of his daughter, Lara, from a heart condition in 2006.

Per Mertesacker (R) celebrates with Robert Enke after a win for Hannover in December 2005
Per Mertesacker (R) celebrates with Robert Enke after a win for Hannover in December 2005
Enke gestures while in goal for Germany less than two months before he committed suicide
Enke gestures while in goal for Germany less than two months before he committed suicide

Mertesacker had just broken into the Hannover team when Enke joined the club on a permanent deal from Barca in 2004.