Troubled former Parramatta and Manly star Kieran Foran has revealed he tried to take his own life as personal issues involving his ex-partner got the better of him.

The Kiwi international was granted a release from the beleaguered Eels last week, less than a year after joining the club from Manly on a five-year deal worth $5 million.

In a candid interview with News Corp, Foran said he had walked away from the NRL to focus on getting his life back on track.

He told Eels coach Brad Arthur in December that he was struggling to cope before his life spiralled out of control in April.

"The intent was there," Foran said.

"I wanted out. About 1:30am I remember driving in my car, thinking in my head what way I was going to kill myself.

"I remember the week vividly. I had been struggling, I had a lot going on. Trying to work through my relationship breakdown, with two young kids, with my ex-partner, while juggling football.

"I just wasn't coping. I could see I was starting to lose hope on life, really. I just couldn't see that light at the end of the tunnel.

Kieran Foran was released from the Eels as he sought to deal with personal issues. ( Getty Images: Matt Blyth )

Foran said he tried to kill himself by taking pain-killers.

"I remember getting told the next day by the nurses that it wasn't enough to kill me but definitely enough to make me crook.

"At the time I was hoping that it was going to do the job. I'm grateful I'm here today, but I remember waking up the next morning wishing that it had worked."

Foran said there was no time frame for a return to rugby league.

"My priority at the moment is getting myself right," he said.

"I know there will come a time where I need to earn a living.

"When I get that love and desire back for rugby league, then I will know I will want to play it again.

"At the moment I have no motivation to play it. I want to get my shoulder right. I want to get healthy again in the mind and the body."

AAP/ABC