Ex Inter Milan & Brazil Striker Opens Up On Career Struggles: “Moratti Wanted To Send Me To A Clinic In Switzerland” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan center-forward Adriano opened up on his career struggles and the influence of Massimo Moratti on his recovery.

During a comprehensive interview during his book presentation, as reported by FCInterNews, Adriano discussed his notorious life challenges.

The ex-Brazilian striker has written his autobiography in collaboration with local journalist Ulisses Neto.

In the book, he touched on the most difficult moments of his life, marred by alcoholism and depression.

“Many people use football as a way to blow off steam,” Adriano said.

“I needed an escape from football. That escape was my family, my father. But when I looked, my father was no longer there.

“One thing led to another, and drinking became my companion. I got fined, but I didn’t care; I was making a lot of money.

“The first time it hurts, the second time you get mad, by the third time you don’t even care. And this works both ways…

“I finished the season overweight again. During the year I had some injuries. My back hurt. It still hurts right now, to be honest.

“I live with this problem. I wasn’t called up for the 2007 Copa América. It was all a reflection of the life I was leading…

“What I didn’t know was that the patience of some within the club had already reached its limit; they were thinking about sending me out on loan.”

Former Inter Milan Superstar Adriano Talks The Slippery Road of Addiction

“I started to smell trouble. I spoke with my lawyer. The truth is, I didn’t see a way out of what was happening,” Adriano continued.

“Then came another blow: Roberto Mancini excluded me from the list of Inter players who would play in the Champions League.

“To the press, they said the team had other offensive options, and I wasn’t one of them…

“One day, I left training and found my lawyer talking to Marco Branca and Dr. Franco Combi.

“The atmosphere was heavy. ‘Adriano, people here are suspicious of you. They are worried about doping,’ said my lawyer…

“I puffed out my chest and raised my head. ‘Suspicious of what, man? Let’s talk about it right now. Do you think I’m using drugs?’ I replied, looking them up and down.

“My eyebrow was arched. ‘Adri, listen carefully. We’re worried about you, that’s all,’ said Dr. Combi. ‘Worried, my a**. Then do the test. You can do it right now. But do the one with hair, it lasts several months,’ I said.

“Well, I was on the verge of losing my mind, man. That’s when the director made a joke I didn’t like at all. ‘Wow, Adri. Are we doing a hair test as if you were bald?’ he said.

“Jerk, I wanted to open my hand and slap that son of a b**** in the ear. No bullsh**. Tell them, Hermes.

“Tell them what I look like when I’m pissed. I reached into my pants, I grabbed my bag. I pulled out a clump of hair and almost rubbed it in his face.

“You can call Gilmar to ask if I’m lying. ‘Then do a test with this hair right here, man. I think it’ll be enough.”

Adriano Recalls The Moment Legendary Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti Had to Intervene

“With his elegant and calm manner, he came to tell me: ‘Adri, first of all, I want to tell you something. What’s happening to you is nothing to be ashamed of.

“It has happened and happens to many. I want to give you a suggestion. We would like to send you to a very special place.’

“I looked at my mother. Her eyes widened. She took my hand. ‘Dr. Combi will explain the details so you understand. He will explain this place in Switzerland. It’s a clinic.’

“They said I would have to spend some time in a rehab clinic in Switzerland. I was depressed and didn’t have a good grasp of things.

“I didn’t understand what they were talking about. What kind of idea was that to lock me up? ‘I’m not crazy, President. With all due respect. Why are you trying to send me to a madhouse?’ I said.

“I started to change during the meeting. That idea was absurd. Have you ever seen a player in rehab?”