Former Swindon Town player Charlie Austin has revealed he has been diagnosed with ADHD. 

The homegrown player left Swindon at the end of last season and is now playing for AFC Totton in the non-league in what many considered to be a surprising move for the former Premier League ace.

And the striker has now shared for the first time publicly that he was diagnosed with the condition 18 months ago. 

In posts on his social media that have been labelled as 'brave' and 'inspirational' by members of the public, the footballer said: "After both my daughters were separately diagnosed with ADHD and autism I made it a priority to become more aware of the challenges they may face and how I could get as much knowledge as I could to be the best parent possible for them and advocate for them the best I could. 

"Weirdly, the more I learnt about about ADHD the more I thought 'this sounds a bit like me'."

Charlie said that his decision to move his family to Australia without having ever been there and his infamous Parklife viral video speech became indicators to him. 

He added that he would often find himself agitated when there was no football, and became very low when things weren't going well. 

He said he could not sit still in meetings, or keep focus, and that he struggled with his coaching qualifications. 

"18 months ago, after discussions with my wife and best friend, I decided to see a professional about this, and after many assessments, I was diagnosed with combined ADHD - scoring high in hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness.

"Even though I suspected it the diagnosis still came as a major shock to me. I went through all the emotions - confusion, upset, anger. How different would my life have been if I had the diagnosis at 20 instead of 34."

Charlie goes on to say that he had always told his girls that ADHD was 'their superpower' and so he realised he had to approach it in the same way.

He also revealed that an inability to take ADHD medication because it was listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a performance-enhancing drug was one of the reasons he decided to step away from professional football and join AFC Totton. 

"I'm now four months into medication. It took me a while to find the right drug and dose for me, but I got there eventually, and honestly, life is great," he said. 

"I'm enjoying football, I am coping with the daily stresses so much easier now. I don't lose my mind every day there is no routine. I think before I speak and I am nowhere near as impulsive. All my focus is on playing football and coaching kids, some kids who were like me. 

"I understand me, my family understand me. Most importantly I am happy and my family are happy.

"People always say there is no point getting a diagnosis in adult life, honestly, they couldn't be more wrong! It really is the best choice I've made."

In response, people rushed to offer their support and kind words to the striker. 

One said: "Thanks for opening up about this Chaz, you will help lots of people. I was diagnosed at 8 and it has helped to know it puts everything in perspective."

Another added: "Great story in you supporting and encouraging your daughters and then taking the steps to the proper and very important assessment of your condition. Nothing but the best to you and your loved ones.

A third person said: "As I'm sure your family are, I am proud of you for this lovely post and your honesty."