Worries among fans of Brazilian football legend Adriano were reignited when a video surfaced on social media, seemingly showing him under the influence.
The footage has sparked discussions about his well-being, prompting concern from those who remember his storied past.
Adriano’s Football Journey
Adriano, renowned for his time with clubs like Inter Milan and Flamengo, made a significant mark in the football world.
His achievements include 48 caps for the Brazilian national team and 14 major trophies, including four Serie A titles during his tenure with Inter.
Despite these accolades, his career didn’t quite follow the trajectory that many anticipated when he first emerged as a superstar.
Struggles After Stardom
Debuting for Brazil at just 18 years old, Adriano was heralded as the next great talent, destined to take over from Ronaldo.
However, his life took a tragic turn following the death of his father, which plunged him into emotional turmoil.
He has openly discussed his battles with alcoholism and depression during his time in Italy, revealing in a 2018 interview that Inter Milan had concealed his struggles from the media by claiming he was injured when he was actually arriving at training drunk.
“I suffered immensely. Losing my father created a deep void, leaving me feeling incredibly alone. Everything deteriorated after his death because I isolated myself,” he recounted to Brazilian outlet R7.
“I was alone in Italy, overwhelmed with sadness, and that’s when I turned to alcohol. Drinking was the only time I felt joy; I would indulge every night.
I consumed everything from wine and whisky to vodka and a lot of beer. Eventually, I couldn’t stop, which led to my departure from Inter.”
A Decline in Performance
Adriano’s performance with Inter sharply declined during the 2006-07 season, and he struggled to find his footing in the subsequent year as he grappled with his personal issues.
Following his challenges in Italy, he was loaned to São Paulo and spent the latter part of his career in Brazil.
Reactions to the Video
The recent video, set to somber music and accompanied by the caption, “Why do many Brazilian footballers struggle like this after retirement?” drew mixed reactions.
Some users on the platform disputed the narrative, stating that Adriano now resides in one of the wealthiest areas of Rio de Janeiro and often visits his childhood community to spend time with friends and enjoy life.
One user wrote, “Adriano has faced depression and alcoholism after his father’s passing, but he’s also found ways to connect with his roots and enjoy life. This app is filled with clueless people.”
Additionally, a community note clarified, “Adriano the Emperor does not have issues with alcohol. This post is misleading; he is simply with friends, having fun as he always does.”
What Lies Ahead?
As fans continue to express their concerns, the future for Adriano remains uncertain.
The ongoing conversation about his mental health and well-being highlights the challenges faced by athletes after retirement.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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