Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni admits being forced to cut short his playing career sent him into depression.
The 36 year-old was forced to retire early due to serious injury.
"Ending my playing career due to injury was the saddest moment of my young life," he told Sette.
"It was as if in a single moment everything had been destroyed - my dreams of playing in Serie A, but above all of playing professional football. To this day when I kick the ball a few times my knee swells up.
"I put on 15kg as I was so depressed. I was only helped out of that dark time by my family and my studies.
"My small message that I can send is that even in Italy a Coach who was not a famous player, nor related to a star, can reach a big club. 'You made it coming from nothing' is the greatest compliment I can receive.
"I have always tended to spot which players can change roles. I worked at the very bottom of the rung and was also a talent scout for professional clubs, all of which helped me."