Everton's Aaron Lennon is receiving treatment for a "stress-related illness," the Premier League club has said, amid multiple reports that he had been detained over concerns for his welfare.
Greater Manchester Police responded to a call in Salford on Tuesday afternoon and said a man was taken to hospital.
"Police were called at around 4:35 p.m. to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on Eccles Old Road," a police statement said.
"Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment."
Everton issued a statement in response to multiple reports that said the man in question was the former England international, though police did not officially confirm his identity.
"Aaron Lennon is currently receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness," Everton said in a statement. "The club is supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time."
On Twitter, the club thanked well-wishers "for all the kind messages for Aaron."
Get well soon Aaron, we are all thinking of you and here to offer our full support. https://t.co/hOL01hu9Z2
- PFA (@PFA) 3 May 2017
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), which offers a dedicated helpline and a nationwide network of counsellors for its members, wrote on Twitter: "Get well soon Aaron, we are all thinking of you and here to offer our full support."
Former PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle, who had a season at Leeds with Lennon early in his career, has suffered from mental health issues himself and wrote on Twitter: "Love and blessings to my old teammate. Nail this now and there's plenty more left in the tank my friend xxx.''
Ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, who has spoken about his battle with depression, tweeted: "Thoughts and love with Aaron Lennon and his family right now. I know that place, and I know he'll be fine with good support from us all.''
Thoughts r with Aaron Lennon today, stay strong & as positive as possible,there is light at the end of tunnel u will get through this boss
- Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) 3 May 2017
Boxer Frank Bruno, who has suffered with mental health issues, urged Lennon to "stay strong and as positive as possible," adding: "There is light at the end of tunnel.''
Base Soccer Agency, which represents Lennon, tweeted: "Everyone at Base Soccer sends their support to @AaronLennon12 -- get well soon and stay strong."
Lennon has not played for Everton since a substitute appearance on Feb. 11, and manager Ronald Koeman said last month that he was "not in a physical way to be part of the team."