When we talk about wasted talent in French football, the name Hatem Ben Arfa often comes up. In Brazil, Adriano’s is the most frequently cited. In the mid-2000s, the Auriverde striker achieved feats under the colors of Inter Milan.
During the summer of 2004, his destiny was turned upside down by the death of his father. The Rio de Janeiro native began drinking alcohol. He seems to have never stopped since. In a letter published by The Players Tribunesthe one who was announced as a potential successor to Ronaldo evokes this addiction.
Adriano became an alcoholic
“I drink because it’s not easy to be a promise who remains in debthe confesses. And it’s even worse at my age. A lot of people didn’t understand why I gave up stadium glory to sit in my old neighborhood and drink myself into oblivion. Because at one point I wanted it, and it’s the kind of decision that’s hard to come back from. »
As incredible as it may seem, Adriano returned to live in his favela. “People didn’t understand this choice. It was neither for alcohol, nor for women and even less for drugshe assures. It was for freedom… The only thing I look for in Vila Cruzeiro is peace. Here I walk barefoot and shirtless, just in shorts. I play dominoes, I sit on the sidewalk, I remember my childhood, I listen to music, I dance with my friends and I sleep on the ground. »
