In his prime, Adriano was one of the most feared strikers in world football, renowned for his thunderous left-foot, power, and goalscoring prowess before a promising career was blighted by personal problems.

Alcoholism, struggles with his weight and the passing of his father aged 44 sent the four-time Serie A winner on a downward spiral.

The last we heard, he had signed for FC Miami United in the fourth tier of United States football in January 2016, and is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club.

Since then, his career has ground to a halt and 'The Emperor' who now resides in some of Brazil's most dangerous favelas.

Hace unos años Adriano era una estrella. Hoy le paga a una banda de narcos para vivir tranquilo en una favela. pic.twitter.com/B9gIz7oDGl — Valentin Fletcher (@ValeFlet) July 30, 2016

Adriano, exseleccionado de Brasil, vinculado a banda criminal en favela de Río https://t.co/RbYAwrik1o #Empelotados pic.twitter.com/DwIZE0HFjB — DIARIO RÉCORD (@record_mexico) July 31, 2016

O dinheiro tira o homem da miséria, mais não pode arrancar ele de dentro da Favela!!! Adriano tem meu respeito... pic.twitter.com/HfFSaGkzci — RACIONAIS VIDA LOKA (@FraseRacionaiss) July 4, 2016

Adriano's ex-girlfriend Joana Machado once explained how he found comfort in the favelas to escape scrutiny of public life.

"He had everything to be happy - money, a wonderful family - but he only feels 'normal' when he's in the favelas," she said.

"He likes to walk there barefoot and fly kites with the local kids. It's where he is not L'Imperatore (The Emperor)."

Sadly, the days when Adriano was the poster by for football game Pro Evoultion soccer have become a distant memory as we're all left to wonder what could have been.