Ange Capuozzo looked back on the dark period he went through in December 2023, after his first World Cup with Italy. A period of spleen, which the Stade Toulousain player buried within himself for too long, out of “humility towards those who struggle more”.
Angel Capuozzo with an open heart. The full-back or winger from Stade Toulousain spoke to L'Equipe on Saturday about the difficult months he experienced just a year ago. The Italian international (23 caps), despite being in a prosperous moment in his sporting career, says he has lost his taste for life.
The trigger? A concussion suffered against France, during the group stage of the 2023 World Cup. The transalpine wisp, already hit by injuries throughout the season, will be very touched to see his progress at the World Cup. stop prematurely. “Nothing gave me any emotion anymore,” he says. “Even the positive didn't make me happy anymore. I wasn't enjoying life anymore.”
“I didn’t want to complain when I had just experienced a World Cup”
The 25-year-old rugby player then experienced a period that he described as “depression”, although it had not been officially diagnosed by a doctor. “Deep down, I knew it, but I didn't say anything. I didn't allow myself to experience that kind of thing. I didn't have the right (…) It was a form of humility towards those who struggle more than me, who have health and financial problems. I didn't want to complain when I had just experienced a World Cup and I was playing in the best club in the world. world.”
Ange Capuozzo confirms that he was accompanied by a professional (“No one really says that we do it. We know, however, that many surround themselves, get help. We have to accept it”) who allowed him to get his head out water. On a mission now, the athlete strives to raise the awareness of as many people as possible on this delicate subject of mental health, still taboo in the world of rugby.
“We may say that we are armored, that is the characteristic of these periods,” he continues. “Depression does not give warning. It is difficult to put words to it. This is why they are difficult to understand. However, knowing these periods allows us to know that there is a way out. (… ) We must get this message across: the way out exists!”
Romain Daveau Journalist RMC Sport
