A man who has struggled for a steady playing spell since joining the Rams says he has been in a “dark place” over the past few months.
Former Liverpool man Jordon Ibe has apologized to Derby fans as he opens up on his battlefield with depression.
Ibe has been hailed as one of the brightest young talents in English football in the early stages of his Liverpool career but has since relegated to the Championship with Derby.
Ibe has not been able to get his career back on track at Pride Park, with issues outside the park taking over his work on the pitch.
Derby revealed that an internal disciplinary investigation into the 25-year-old was underway in December, with head coach Wayne Rooney confirming he reached a decision earlier in the week.
“Yes, that has come to an end. In fact, that is something that will keep us in,” the Rams chief told reporters.
Ibe will be fired to regain training in the coming days, but has now admitted he has been dealing with mental health issues that have affected his ability to perform.
“I want to apologize to my fans all over the world,” he wrote on his Instagram story.
“I am on it [found] myself in a dark place, due to suffering from depression. It is not a scheme for the media or to have my name in your mouth. I just find things hard, really.
“I appreciate all the love and message from everyone around the world. There are generally difficult times right now for all of us because of this. [coronavirus] pandemic. I have the full support of my family and Derby County FC.
“I will settle myself and this position, which I am 100 per cent committed to. Not just for my family, close friends or my beautiful daughter but for me.
“Much love for everyone.”
Ibe are unlikely to be involved when Derby hold off their latest Championship campaign at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, but could be part of the squad when they take on Bristol City at Pride Park on 30 January.
Liverpool Ibe first signed as a 16-year-old from Wycombe in 2011, and made his debut two years later in a Premier League clash with Southampton.
He went off at first with his raw speed and ability to dribble down the right side, but eventually failed to establish himself as a regular in the Reds ’starting XI.
He was loaned out to Birmingham and Derby before Merseyside clothing decided to invest, with Bournemouth sculpting it for a £ 15 million ($ 21m) registration fee in 2016.
The England U21 international international struggled to keep up with that price tag during his four-year stint at Vitality Stadium, scoring just five goals in 92 appearances across all competitions.
The Cherries decided not to offer him a new contract and he left the club in June 2020, spending two months as a free agent before signing a two-year contract at Derby.