Matri: "After Milan I was depressed and hypochondriac, I thought I had ALS. Here's how I got out"

Former Milan and Juventus striker Matri reveals he suffered depression and health anxiety after his playing career stalled, finding recovery through therapy and family support.

Alessandro Matri, the former Serie A striker now competing on Ballando con le Stelle, has opened up about a difficult period following his time at Juventus and his return to Milan. After the Juventus hierarchy told him he was no longer part of their plans, Matri struggled to cope with the rejection and the pressure to prove himself elsewhere.

Matri described entering a cycle of depression and hypochondria, convinced he had serious illnesses like ALS or multiple sclerosis. He withdrew from public life, isolating himself at home and losing confidence. "I felt like a burden," he said. "I was always trying to prove myself. Every six months I'd move house, and losing self-esteem made me vulnerable."

The turning point came when he confided in his partner Federica Nargi and his parents about his fears. "By telling them, I felt cared for and protected," Matri explained. He recovered through therapy and credits the birth of his daughters, along with ongoing medical check-ups, with helping him rebuild his life. He emphasized that there was no hostility from coaches or club officials—the shame was his own, and speaking about mental health struggles is essential.