Enrique bares the scars of proton therapy but has been able to count on the support of Amy, his English partner

José Enrique feels blessed. Whether out of superstition or not, he touches the scar just above his forehead as he says so. He is at home near Valencia, relaxing with his English partner Amy, with their “little family” — two cats and a dog — competing for their attention. On the walls there are pictures of happy times with Newcastle United and Liverpool. He has just turned 33 — a retired footballer now, but a contented one. Life is good.

He can say that now. He did not feel that way for a long time: when struck down by the knee injury that curtailed his playing career with Liverpool; when suffering with anxiety, panic attacks and, he suspects, some form of depression as he struggled