One of football's outstanding stars during the mid-2000s, the Brazilian Adriano has revealed the desperate difficulties he faced with alcohol and depressing during his finals years with Italian giants Inter Milan.
Speaking on the Brazilian TV show R7, Adriano described a scenario where he would arrive 'drunk in the morning for training sessions.'
Devastated by the death of his father and the increasing sense of isolation that engulfed him during his stay in Italy, Adriano stated; "Only I know how much I suffered."
Signed by Inter as an 18-year-old forward in 2000, Adriano's breakthrough came only four years later. After a brief spell under the co-ownership of Parma, the Brazilian's return coincided with a devastating run of goal-scoring form - 40 goals over the next 18 months.
However, as Adriano now reveals; “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 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.
Revealing that the staff at Inter would be forced to shepherd him toward the infirmary to sleep himself sober, Adriano also suggests that the club just "told the press I had muscular problems," to hide the extent of his drinking.
Highlighting the people that he was spending time with only served to heighten his dependence on "parties with women and alcohol," Adriano could confirm that in ultimately returning to Brazil, 'he game up millions, but gained happiness.'
Still fondly remembered by fans in Milan, the Brazilian was subject to their affections during this honorary presentation two years ago; particularly poignant when one considers the difficulties he faced, and his determination to overcome them.
