Bosnich treated for depression

THE turbulent career of Mark Bosnich took another twist last night after it emerged that he had been admitted to a depression unit.

The Chelsea goalkeeper, who was caught up in claims last weekend that he had tested positive for the Class A drug cocaine, has not played a competitive first-team match for almost a year since injuring his thigh and has since been unable to win back his place.

"Mark Bosnich has been diagnosed as suffering from severe clinical depression," said a statement from the 30-year-old’s management company, SEM. "On medical advice he was today admitted to a depression unit of a medical facility to obtain treatment for that depression.

"It would not usually be appropriate to release this type of information but it has been decided to do so to prevent speculation. Mark asks in the circumstances that further information as to his treatment and whereabouts should remain private."

At the weekend, the FA refused to confirm or deny whether a test had been carried out on Bosnich, but if it is proved he tested positive for cocaine, then the player faces a lengthy ban.

Bosnich was once rated as one of the top keepers in the Premiership, making his name at Aston Villa before joining Manchester United in 1999. But his Old Trafford career was blighted by injury, and a bust-up with manager Sir Alex Ferguson followed, which eventually saw him become fourth-choice keeper following the arrival of World Cup winner Fabien Barthez.

Bosnich was allowed to leave Manchester United for Chelsea on a free contract at the start of 2001.