Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has spoken out on his personal struggles for the first time since being sacked by Cardiff City four months ago. 

A player who was a part of the Bluebirds' most recent Premier League campaign in 2018-19, Mendez-Laing abruptly departed the Cardiff City Stadium just days before the current season started.

It was reported that Mendez-Laing had committed a breach of his contract which led to his axing, but it came as a complete surprise considering he was a key figure in Neil Harris' play off-finishing side.

There was much speculation as to what Mendez-Laing had actually done to get himself booted out of the club, but as time has gone on there's been no official word from anyone as to what transpired.

Since leaving Cardiff, the 28-year-old has spent time in Dubai, where he was snapped working with the same fitness coach that Real Madrid star Karim Benzema uses, prompting speculation that he was set to make a comeback with another Football League club.

And for the first time since his Cardiff departure, Mendez-Laing has broken his silence on the year he's had and admits he's had his struggles, which may have led to his Cardiff exit.

"Be proud of how you handled last year," Mendez-Laing posted.

"I don’t know about you but I fought (sic) so many silent battles, I had to humble myself, wipe my own tears and pat myself on the back, I’m sure most of you had to do the same, be proud of you!"

The Verdict

We may never find out what occurred between the winger and Cardiff, but it does sound like Mendez-Laing may have had some personal issues that could've affected his career in South Wales.

Thankfully though he looks to have come out of the other side of those as a better person, and it's doubtful that he will be on the sidelines for much longer.

There are quite a few clubs in the EFL that could do with a game-changing winger with explosive pace, and in Mendez-Laing there is a player available that is surely worth taking a gamble on.