Sunderland player Aaron Connolly has bravely shared his battle with alcohol addiction, detailing how his career spiralled after his breakthrough with Brighton.
The 24-year-old has revealed his struggle with alcohol addiction, detailing a downward spiral that began after his memorable Premier League debut for Brighton in 2019. In a candid interview with the Northern Echo, he shared how the pressures of success led him to lose focus on football, which worsened his off-field behaviour. Speaking on Sunderland’s media platform, he hopes that his story will help others facing similar challenges.
After scoring twice against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-0 win on his full Premier League debut at the age of 19, the player said it was “one of the best days of my life but also one of the worst” as it marked the beginning of his troubles. He began living a “footballer lifestyle without the football”, losing his way both professionally and personally.
‘It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol. It was killing the people around me and it was killing me.’
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, Aaron Connolly opens up about the impact of addiction and tells his story in his own words.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 10, 2024
The Turning Point in His Career
Following his impressive start, the player’s career stalled. He struggled to maintain the discipline needed to stay at the top level. Loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough, and Venezia followed, but his off-field problems continued. He openly admitted that his problems with alcohol caused him to lose focus on his passion for football, resulting in a dramatic dip in form. Eventually, he found himself at Sunderland after signing as a free agent, hoping for a fresh start.
Reflecting on his career, he admitted, “I was tough to be around. I didn’t know how to deal with the success and started living for the wrong reasons. It hurts to look back and speak about it.”
Seeking Help and Recovery
This summer, he decided to seek help, spending a month in a treatment centre for alcohol addiction. “I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing my family, my friends, and mainly, it was killing me,” he confessed. He emphasised that speaking out about his battle could help others struggling with addiction. He credits his recovery to the treatment centre and the support of those around him, adding, “I just want to get back to playing football, focusing on what got me here.”
Now back at Sunderland, he feels reinvigorated and is determined to rediscover his form, stating, “I’ve got a purpose again. I feel like that young kid who came to England, chasing a goal.”
Our View
The story of this player’s battle with alcohol addiction is a stark reminder of the pressures young athletes face when thrust into the limelight too soon. His honesty about his struggles and the decision to seek help show commendable strength. Moving to Sunderland represents more than just another footballing chapter; it’s a chance for redemption both on and off the pitch.
While his Premier League debut made headlines for all the right reasons, it became the catalyst for problems that derailed his career. With a fresh mindset and renewed focus, there’s hope that this player can rebuild not just his career, but also his life. The backing of Sunderland’s coaching staff and his personal resolve will be crucial in determining how far he can go in this new chapter.
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