“I’m Proud of It”- Subject to Abuse After Joining Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds’ $320,000 Star Diagnosed With ‘Autism’

As the world slowly opens up from the taboo surrounding mental health, it was a heartwarming turn of events surrounding Wrexham AFC summer signing James McClean. McClean has been subject to abuse from fans throughout his career. Some claims suggest that he receives “more abuse than any other player in England”. However, the former Wigan attacker has now revealed that he has been diagnosed with autism. In an emotional conversation on The Late Late Show, McClean said he went to the doctor to get a diagnosis done for the sake of his daughter, Willow-Ivy, who is also autistic.

McClean joined Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s project at Wrexham from Wigan this summer. This was after Wigan got relegated to EFL League One. The 34-year-old winger signed for the Red Dragons for a fee in the range of $320,000. Earlier this year, McClean reached a landmark 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland. But now, as per his latest interview, he has commented about his story surrounding autism.

New Wrexham signing James McClean speaks about autism diagnosis

McClean has had a laudable career in his own right. The Irish attacker has scored 60 goals in his club career spanning 493 games, while also scoring 11 goals in 102 caps for the Republic Of Ireland. McClean has played in the Premier League for Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion during his prime years. But now, in a candid and emotional interview, he spoke about his journey with autism.

Speaking on the Late Late Show, whilst also citing the abuse he’s faced from fans, McClean said, “I was hesitant for a while about going and getting tested and getting a diagnosis because obviously, the job I do, it would just be ammunition to give people.”

However, the Irish winger suggested that he did this for his family, saying, “But I just thought, you know what, I’m doing this for my daughter. If it helps me get a better understanding of her. I went and done the test and it came back that I’m also on the spectrum and I’m proud of it.”

McClean and his family have been the center of abuse from fans following his decision not to wear the poppy, a symbol of remembrance in England. McClean didn’t wear the poppy because of an incident from 1972 where civil rights workers in his hometown of Derry were shot by the British Army. But this has led to large-scale abuse throughout his career.

Also read: “Very Pleased” – After Ryan Reynolds’ $630,000 Setback at 12:30 AM, Wrexham Boss Happy With Paul Mullin’s New Strike Partner

Despite all the stick he’s faced, earlier this year, McClean posted about his experiences with autism.

McClean’s posts about raising his daughter and showing her autism won’t stop her from achieving her dreams

Taking to Instagram on World Autism Acceptance Week, which takes place between March 27th to April 2nd, the Irish attacker posted about his daughter Willow-Ivy’s condition.

In the post he wrote: “I have debated for a while going public in sharing this as I’ve done this for Willow-Ivy, to let her know that I understand and that being autistic won’t and should never hold her back from reaching her goals and dreams.”

McClean opening up about his condition and the journey of raising his daughter who also has the complication, is a breath of fresh air. It’s something that solidifies the importance of talking about mental health and how sharing these issues can usher in change and progress.