Ex Real Madrid star confesses his alcoholism battle and reporting to training drunk
Former Real Madrid player Cicinho has revealed that he battled alcoholism during his time with the Spanish giants, admitting that he would drink 10 beers a day and even turned up to training drunk.
The Brazilian right-back, who played for Real Madrid between 2006 and 2007, opened up about his struggles off the field in an interview with Brazilian network EPTV.
Cicinho, now 43, admitted to drinking alcohol before training sessions and using coffee and perfume to cover up the smell.
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He explained that his alcohol addiction began at a young age when he first tried alcohol at 13 years old.
He would secretly drink alcohol obtained from adults and would spend weekends with friends in squares and discos, surrounded by alcohol.
The former footballer expressed regret for the impact his addiction had on his relationships, particularly with his son.
He stated that he apologizes to his 15-year-old son for his past behavior, even though his son was too young to fully understand at the time.
Cicinho acknowledged that his addiction had caused him to prioritize alcohol over the people who truly cared about him.
In a separate article for Diario de Sao Paulo, Cicinho admitted that he would consume approximately 10 beers a day.
He also acknowledged that he would smoke when he drank, further compounding his unhealthy habits.
Cicinho’s candid confession sheds light on the challenges faced by professional athletes and serves as a reminder that even those at the pinnacle of their careers can struggle with personal issues.
His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help when faced with such challenges.
Despite his struggles, Cicinho’s talent on the field cannot be denied.
He played for Real Madrid during their golden era, alongside the likes of David Beckham, and earned 15 caps for the Brazilian national team.