// BBC HEALTH NEWS — SALUTE
Charity offers to meet James McClean over therapy comments
Men's Action Network (MAN) has offered to meet James McClean after he was reported as saying he would view seeking therapy as a sign of 'weakness'
A men's mental health charity has offered to meet footballer James McClean after he told a newspaper he views speaking to a psychologist as "weak".
In an interview with the Sunday Independent, external, the Derry City player said he had never tried therapy because "as a man I would see that as a weakness".
Michael Lynch, from Men's Action Network (MAN) based in Londonderry, said the charity would welcome the opportunity to meet with him to discuss the importance of encouraging all men to feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.
McClean has previously spoken out over his lack of playing time at Derry City this season
McClean, who is currently not playing for his hometown club amid an ongoing contract dispute, gave the comments during a wide-ranging interview on topics including his new book, which details the social media abuse he has faced for refusing to wear a poppy, as well as death threats he has received.
The former Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City player spoke about his wife's view that he had "built-up anger and frustration" that he had blocked out, to which the interviewer asked him if he had ever tried therapy.
McClean responded that he had heard his brother, fellow Derry City player Patrick McClean, "on a call to a club psychologist, having a lovely chat".
"And a lot of the players speak to him and for me that's just weak.
"As a man, I see that as weakness. I don't need to open up.