Brave Revelation

Former Premier League player Greg Halford has courageously shared the details of his autism diagnosis. The cult hero fought back tears as he opened up about being on the spectrum.

A Difficult Journey

Halford, who has never told anyone in football about his diagnosis, discussed his struggles during an appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast. He revealed that settling in at Sunderland after joining from Reading in 2007 was particularly challenging for him.

Isolation and Awkwardness

Halford admitted that change and the unfamiliarity of his new surroundings made it difficult for him to interact with people. He avoided the cafeteria after training and preferred to go home, feeling awkward in social situations.

Comfort on the Pitch

While Halford found it difficult to interact with small groups off the pitch, he felt in control and at ease during games. He explained that being on the pitch was a different experience for him.

If Only...

Reflecting on his time at Sunderland, Halford speculated that it might have been easier for him to fit in if he had gone straight into the team. He believed that his on-pitch performance and the way others perceived him as a player helped with social interactions.

An Emotional Journey

During the podcast, Halford became visibly emotional as he shared more details about his diagnosis. He revealed that he only learned about his autism after his son was diagnosed and recognized the similarities between himself and his son at a young age.

Growth Through Football

Having played for 17 different clubs throughout his career, Halford believes that the constant changes and new situations helped him grow as a person. He feels that football provided him with opportunities to learn and adapt, making it easier for him to interact with people.

A Personal Journey

Despite his struggles, Halford admitted that he wouldn't have told anyone in football about his diagnosis even if he had known earlier. He wanted to learn and grow on his own, making mistakes and becoming a better person in the process.

Current Endeavors

Halford currently plays for non-league side Hashtag United, having joined the club last summer. He scored a goal as the team secured promotion to the seventh tier for the first time in April.

A Remarkable Career

Throughout his career, Halford has made over 500 club appearances, playing in the Premier League, Football League, Scotland, and Ireland.