Clarke Carlisle’s wife says former footballer is ‘very unwell but safe in hospital’ after disappearance sparked missing person search
The former Burnley defender was found in Liverpool yesterday and has previously spoken about his mental health problems
FORMER footballer Clarke Carlisle is "very unwell" but safe in hospital after going missing - his wife has said.
The 37-year-old's family and police issued an appeal yesterday after he disappeared having last been seen in Manchester.
He was found yesterday evening in Liverpool and taken to hospital.
The former Burnley and QPR defender has suffered a history of mental illness and previously spoken publicly about trying to take his own life.
His wife Carrie, who is six months pregnant with the couple's first child, updated followers on Twitter today while urging anyone else suffering with mental health issues to seek support.
She said: "Clarke is very unwell but safe in hospital. I know he would want me to remind you to talk to someone & ask for help if you feel the same way."
After launching a public appeal, Lancashire Police last night tweeted: "Great news folks. Clarke Carlisle has been found safe in Liverpool. Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal. Have a good weekend."
The former Premier League star made more than 500 appearances for nine different clubs.
He has previously tried to take his own life as a 21-year-old while playing for QPR and in 2014, when he stepped in front of an oncoming lorry in 2014.
He launched a mental health charity called the Clarke Carlisle Foundation for Dual Diagnosis - a condition that has been described as "mental health problems co-occurring with drug or alcohol misuse".
In 2011 he became the first footballer to appear on Question Time and was dubbed 'Britain's brainiest footballer'.
He is also a former chairman of the Professional Footballers Association and retired in 2013 after playing his final games for Northampton Town.
He retired in 2013 before taking up a role at the PFA where he was eventually named chairman.
