Chloe Kelly has heartbreakingly admitted she found herself in a 'dark place' earlier this year, just days after firing England to glory at Euro 2025.
The Arsenal star netted the winning penalty in Sunday's shootout against Spain to ensure the Lionesses retain their European Championship.
It was a stunning moment for Kelly, who has established herself as a national icon following her heroics in Switzerland.
However, the past year has been difficult for the 27-year-old.
Chloe Kelly has heartbreakingly admitted she found herself in a 'dark place' earlier this year, just days after firing England to glory at Euro 2025
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Kelly found herself struggling at Manchester City before joining Arsenal in January, the club where she'd started her career.
Her England spot was on the line but, following some impressive performances in north London, she was able to turn her fortunes around.
Speaking on This Morning, Kelly said: "Mentally I was in a really dark place in January and I needed to find happiness again on and off the pitch."
The England star then opened up on how Arsenal helped her rediscover her love of football: "I think that it's really important to look after your mental health and football felt so far away at the time.
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"I went on loan to Arsenal and I found such happiness coming back to London.
"It's my city where I grew up, being closer to my family and everyday stepping onto the pitch with Arsenal I felt like my smile was coming back."
Kelly was speaking with Dermot O'Leary, who is a big Arsenal fan.
He said: "I can't tell you how much that makes me feel so proud to hear that by the way and to hear the words Arsenal."
Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty for England to seal back-to-back European Championship titles
| GettyKelly responded: "Thank you. As the months went by I could feel myself smiling again and it's really important as human beings.
"We are footballers but we are also human beings and I think happiness is important and it allows me to be at my best on the pitch."
"The Euros felt so far away from me in January because I just wanted to be happy so now to be a European champion is incredible so I'm really proud."
Meanwhile, the Lionesses icon was also asked how she's able to stay calm under pressure.
She kept her cool on Sunday as she blasted the winning penalty high into the roof of the net.
Kelly explained: "I train that process a lot.
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Chloe Kelly has established herself as a national icon following her heroics for England at Euro 2025
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"I breathe, I take my breath and I either score or I miss, and that's the worst that can happen.
"That's the way I see it, it's just me against the goalkeeper so I'm very relaxed."
The Lionesses are next in action on November 29, with Sarina Wiegman's team due to face China.