TOMAS IS UP FRONT

Soucek reveals his insomnia struggle

- BY RYAN TAYLOR

WEST HAM midfielder Tomas Soucek has admitted he considered retiring from football as he opened up on his mental health struggles.

The Czech Republic captain, 30, has been battling insomnia and depression in silence during his time at the London Stadium.

Soucek, who netted in the Hammers' 3-2 win over Burnley last weekend, admits the issue began to snowball around two years ago when he would head into "every match" without sleep.

In an excerpt published in his new book Suk, Soucek wrote: "Do you know what the whoop bracelet can do? If not, nothing is happening, I had no idea at first either.

"When I bought it in the fall of 2023, I had to get advice. A fairly ordinary black collar that I don't take off my left wrist measures my heart rate and sleep quality.