Real Madrid Problems hit home as he signed for Los Blancos

Cicinho: I smoked and drank a lot at Roma

The career of Cicinho was a veritable expedition across Brazilian football, the heights of Real Madrid and Roma, before spells in Turkey and back in his home country, although drink problems threatened to scupper the whole thing.

Signing for Los Blancos from Sao Paulo in 2006, the 36-year-old has discussed how he didn't arrive in the best of shape.

"I was an alcoholic because I was not able to drink only one beer," the former right-back told Fox Sports. "I'd drink until I fell to the ground.

"When Real Madrid came in for me, it was out of hand.

"I drank a lot but not only at night.

"The good form I had in the team rectified the issue."

A whole host of tattoos now serve as timely reminders of the state Cicinho often found himself in.

"I regret everything and I did not seek advice from anyone," he added. "These things don't cure depression, you just run the risk of becoming more depressed.

"I feel uncomfortable with my tattoos, I only got them while under the influence of alcohol.

"I drank because I hated the pain and needed it to get the tattoos. I thought the tattoos were going to bring me peace and it's not like that. I imagined myself being 60 years old, eating cake and covered in tattoos."