Adriano: ‘I was always drunk’

By Football Italia staff

Former Inter striker Adriano confesses “I arrived drunk in the morning for training sessions”, explaining the death of his father left “a void” in his life.

The Brazilian was one of Europe’s most promising players, but the death of his father saw him fall into depression and alcoholism.

Nerazzurri legend Javier Zanetti said his “biggest defeat” was being unable to turn L’Imperatore’s slump around, and the man himself has reflected on that period of his life with TV show R7.

“Only I know how much I suffered,” Adriano said.

“The death of my father left me with this huge void, I felt very lonely. After his death everything got worse, because I isolated myself.

“I was alone in Italy, sad and depressed, and then I started drinking.

“I only felt happy when I was drinking, I’d do it every night. I drank everything I could get my hands on: wine, whiskey, vodka, beer. Lots of beer.

“I didn’t stop drinking and in the end I had to leave Inter.

“I didn’t know how to hide it, I arrived drunk in the morning for training sessions. I always showed up, even if I was completely drunk and the medical staff had to take me to sleep in the infirmary.

“Inter told the Press I just had muscular problems.

“I later realised that the problem was the people around me, friends who did nothing but take me to parties with women and alcohol, without thinking about anything.

“By going back to Brazil I gave up millions, but I gained happiness.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow