Everton winger Aaron Lennon has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Lennon, who last featured for the Blues in February’s draw with Middlesbrough, was found by police at the side of a busy road near the M602 in Salford.
The former England international, 30, spoke to police officers for around 20 minutes amid concerns for his welfare on Sunday afternoon.
He had not been present at Goodison Park for Everton’s Premier League game with Chelsea which had finished shortly before the incident took place.
Club officials have since confirmed that Lennon, a £4 million signing from Tottenham last season, is receiving treatment for as a ‘stress-related illness’.
An Everton statement read: “Aaron Lennon is currently receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness.
“The club is supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.”
Since making his Merseyside stay a permanent one almost two years ago, Lennon has made 44 appearances for Everton and scored seven goals.
“Police were called at around 4.35pm on Sunday, April 30, 2017 to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man,” said a Greater Manchester Police spokesman.
“Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment.”
If you need to talk to someone or are affected by any of the issues in this article, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or for support with mental health issues call Mind on 020 8519 2122