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Sport rallies behind Aaron Lennon as figures reveal 62 players sought help last year... and the numbers are rising

The world of football rallied behind Everton winger Aaron Lennon as it was revealed more than 60 current players have sought help for mental health issues.

Lennon's ordeal when he was detained on Sunday under the Mental Health Act has sparked messages of support from around the globe and he is said to be 'making good progress' from his stress-related illness.

On Wednesday the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) disclosed that last year 160 members contacted their welfare service, of which 62 were current players and 98 were ex-pros.

The world of football and sport rallied behind Everton winger Aaron Lennon on Wednesday
The world of football and sport rallied behind Everton winger Aaron Lennon on Wednesday

'We are dealing with a societal problem, not a football problem,' said the PFA's head of welfare Michael Bennett, who added that the numbers seeking help had risen each year since the service was set up in 2012.