Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has revealed that he battled depression eight years ago.

The 38-year-old will play his final game for the Magpies against Arsenal on Sunday following a 20-year association with the club.

"I was probably about 30 at the time and it was really tough," Harper told The Mirror. "You need help. You can't fight it yourself. You have to speak to people and get help. That is what I did."

Harper's appearance at St James' Park on Sunday will be his 199th for the club since joining as a teenager in 1993.