Brazil football legend Adriano sparked fears among his fans when a video appearing to be of him intoxicated surfaced on social media.
Adriano is famed for playing for the likes of Inter Milan and Flamengo during his illustrious career, also starring for Brazil, making 48 appearances for his national side.
He retired in 2016 at the age of 34, having won 14 major honours in his career including four Serie A titles with Inter. yet, despite his success, the former striker failed to reach the heights many predicted when he burst onto the scene.
After making his Brazil debut at 18, he was considered the long-term successor to Ronaldo, but his life was thrown into disarray after the death of his father.
The former star struggled with alcoholism and depression during his time in Italy. In a 2018 interview he revealed that Inter hid the truth from the media by claiming he was injured, when in fact he was turning up to training drunk.
Former Inter Milan and Brazil striker Adriano has appeared in a social media clip that has sparked health concerns
The striker was considered to be the long-term successor to Ronaldo for the Brazilian national team
‘Only I know how much I suffered. The death of my father left me with this huge void, I felt very lonely. After his death everything got worse, because I isolated myself.’ he told Brazilian outlet R7.
‘I was alone in Italy, sad and depressed, and then I started drinking. I only felt happy when I was drinking, I’d do it every night. I drank everything I could get my hands on: wine, whisky, vodka, beer. Lots of beer.
‘I didn’t stop drinking and in the end I had to leave Inter.’
Adriano’s scoring record for Inter dramatically dipped during the 2006-07 campaign and he only played a bit-part role the following season as he battled with his demons.
He was subsequently loaned out to Sao Paulo and spent the majority of his remaining playing days in his native country of Brazil.
The video of the 42-year-old on social media, cut to sombre music and accompanied by the message: ‘Why do many Brazilian footballers struggle like this after retirement?’ was disputed by other users on the platform.
Adriano struggles with alcoholism and depression after the death of his father during his time at Inter Milan
One user on the X disputed the claim that the footage implied Adriano had fallen on hard times
The former retired in 2016 after a career starring for the likes of Inter Milan, Flamengo and Brazil
One wrote: ‘Adriano lives in one of the richest areas in Rio de Janeiro, he also goes back to the community he grew up in to hang out with friends and enjoy life. He went through depression and alcoholism after his father died. This app is full of imbeciles.’
Additionally the community note attached to the post read: ‘The footballer Adriano the Emperor has no problem with alcohol. This post is a lie, Adriano is with his friends and having fun as he always does.’