“Drinking to oblivion” – Brazil and Inter Milan legend Adriano admits to alcohol addiction and struggle of not ‘fulfilling’ potential 

Brazilian and Inter Milan legend Adriano recently opened up about his struggles in his later footballing career, including alcohol addiction.

“Drinking to oblivion” – Brazil and Inter Milan legend Adriano admits to alcohol addiction and struggle of not ‘fulfilling’ potential 

Ex-Inter Milan and Brazil star Adriano opened up about his alcohol addiction and struggles in his later career (via GOAL)

Ex-Brazilian football star Adriano opened up about his struggles, including his alcohol addiction that ruined his glittering career. Once labelled the ‘Emperor’, Adriano enjoyed short stints at Serie A sides Inter Milan, Roma and Parma. 

Adriano was once seen as a successor to Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario, due to his prolific goal-scoring abilities. He enjoyed a brilliant spell at Inter Milan, winning four back-to-back Serie A titles. A major achievement in his career would be his 6th and 7th place finish on the 2004 and 2005 Ballon d’Or lists. However, alcoholism and the death of his father took a toll on his form, resulting in his decline. After subsequent unsuccessful spells at Flamengo and Miami United, Adriano retired at the age of just 34.

Having failed to live up to his potential, the 42-year-old spoke about his struggles. In an emotional letter, Adriano labelled himself as the ‘biggest waste in football’. He reflected on his decision to not focus on playing, but to drink to ‘oblivion’. Moreover, he pointed to his struggles at Inter during his last days, when he trained and tried to avoid alcohol, but ultimately relapsed. Adriano’s letter also revealed the burden of the constant media coverage. He also spoke about his emotional fragility after his father’s demise.

Football’s biggest waste: Me. I like that word, waste…. A lot of people didn’t understand why I abandoned the glory of the stadiums to sit in my old neighborhood, drinking to oblivion.

Adriano on his struggles (via The Players’ Tribune)

It remains to be seen what comes ahead for the ex-Brazilian star. He noted his wish to remain in his hometown of Vila Cruzeiro. Adriano was once pictured alongside greats like Ronaldinho and Kaka, having led the Brazilian national team to the Copa America title in 2005.

Adriano set to make a shock return to football

Former Inter Milan and Brazilian forward Adriano is expected to make a shocking return to football at the age of 42. He is set to feature in a farewell match at the Maracana stadium in Rio, Brazil, on the 15th of December, this year. 

Adriano farewell match
Ex-Brazilian star Adriano is set to make his return to football for a farewell match in December. (via Football Italia)

Having retired back in 2016, Adriano’s return to professional football could be a fans’ dream. He last played for Miami United in the fourth division of the United States football pyramid, later taking part in various charity matches. The Brazilian will now make his return in a match between his former clubs Inter Milan and Flamengo. He will wear both jerseys during the match, swapping at half-time.

Adriano had once begun his journey at Flamengo, later shining at Inter Milan and Parma. He was last pictured alongside F1 great Max Verstappen, awarding him a trophy at Inter Lagos.