Leeds United: Former Whites winger Lennon says thanks as he steps up return to action

The 30-year-old Everton star has been back in pre-season training with the Toffees for the past week following his treatment for a stress-related illness after the police detained him at the side of a road in Salford.

Lennon, who was treated at The Priory in Darlington and Altrincham and also the Salford Royal Hospital, took to Twitter to show his gratitude and is looking forward to the new campaign.

“It’s great to be back after a diffciult period. I’ve had a good first week of training and I can’t wait to kick on now,” the former United, Tottenham and England man said.

“I want to thank all the staff and patients at The Priory in both Darlington and Altrincham and all the staff at Salford Royal Hospital.

“The support I’ve had from Everton, Spurs, their fans, football fans and concerned members of the general public has been incredible.

“It’s important to emphasise that there is amazing help out there and anyone feeling anything out of the ordinary should seek support because it is great and good to talk.

“Lastly, a special thanks to the staff at Everton, my team-mates, and especially my family and the people around me.”

Leeds-born Lennon, who was sold to Spurs for £1million back in 2005 as Leeds’ financial crisis deepened, made just 13 appearances last season and did not feature after February as his problems became public.

He is back as part of the group, though, and boss Ronaldo Koeman has welcomed his return.

He said: “I was really pleased to have Aaron back on the training pitch because everybody knows he had a difficult, hard time the last few months of the season.

“Everybody’s really happy that Aaron is back and back in fitness. It’s a good time to start and to get the fitness back to start pre-season. It’s really good.”