Former Everton footballer Gary Speed sent his wife a text message in the days leading up to his death "talking in terms of taking his life", an inquest heard today.
Speed, 42, who played for Sheffield United, Everton, Newcastle, Leeds and Bolton, was found hanged at his Cheshire home last November by his wife Louise.
Mrs Speed said that although he did describe taking his own life, he "dismissed" it because of his two sons.
The coroner recorded a narrative verdict of death by hanging as he could not be satisfied whether Mr Speed's death was an accident or him taking his own life.
Police confirmed at the inquest, held at Warrington Coroner's Court, that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Mrs Speed also revealed how the two "had words" on the morning of his death after attending a party.
Following the argument, Mrs Speed went for a drive at around 1.15am, but when she arrived back home she could not get into their house so slept in the car until around 6am.
She then went around the house looking for Mr Speed.
Mrs Speed began crying when she recalled finding her husband in the garage.
No note or message was left by the former Wales manager.
Mrs Speed also told the coroner how her husband did not like being in the limelight, and how his travelling for work created quite a strain on their relationship.
Mr Speed's mother, Carol, described receiving the news of her son's death as "the worst moment of my life."
Alan Shearer, a former team mate and friend of Mr Speed, told the inquest how there had been issues between Mr Speed and his wife but they were "being sorted out".
He said: "I was shocked when I heard of his death, the last person out of I'd expect this to happen to, I still can't believe it."
Tributes poured in for Speed following his death, and many speculated that his death was due to a secret battle with depression.
Louisa, Sheffield around 3 months, 3 weeks ago