Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, who committed suicide by jumping in front of an express train, was suffering from depression, his wife and his doctor said today.

The 32-year-old was hit by the train at it passed through a crossing near Hanover last night — just 200 yards from the grave of his daughter Lara, who died from a heart defect in 2006 aged two.

Enke's wife Teresa revealed the couple had tried to overcome years of depression through therapy.
“When he was acutely depressive it was a very difficult time because he lacked motivation and any hope of improvement,” she told a press conference.

Enke, who apologised in a suicide letter for hiding the condition of his mental state leading up to his suicide from his family and doctors, tried hard to keep his depression secret.

His wife, dressed in black and struggling to hold back tears, said:
“It is crazy because now it is coming out anyway. We thought we could do everything and we could do it with love but you can't always do it.”

The German football federation today called off Saturday's friendly against Chile.

Former Germany manager and captain Franz Beckenbauer said: “I feel unending sadness. We have lost a great footballer and a great guy. When you get news like this then all the other problems in life seem small.”

Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her “great sadness” at the news of Enke's death.

Enke, who played for Hannover 96, won eight caps and was in the running to be the Germany No1 the World Cup in South Africa next year.

His doctor said he had been treating Enke since 2003, during a turbulent time when the goalkeeper had several unsuccessful transfers to clubs in Spain and Turkey.

“He suffered from depression and fear of failure,” said Valentin Markser, who added the player refused to be treated on the day of his suicide, saying he was feeling well.

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Hanover stadium and offices today, leaving flowers and lighting candles in Enke's memory.