The 42-year-old was thought of one of many world’s biggest forwards within the early-2000s earlier than private points derailed his profession.
Former Brazil and Inter Milan striker Adriano, nicknamed the “Emperor” in his prime, bid farewell to soccer in a testimonial match on the residence of Flamengo, the membership the place his once-promising profession began.
The 42-year-old had been tipped to turn into one of many soccer greats however finally succumbed to the pressures of sporting fame and alcohol issues.
The testimonial, performed on the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, ended with a 4-3 victory for the “Flamengo Legends” in opposition to “Associates of Italy”.
The event allowed Adriano to formally say goodbye, eight years after his final official match, and featured a number of Brazil greats together with striker Romario and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
The 48-times-capped participant was additionally accompanied on the pitch by his son Adrianinho, and scored targets for each groups.
An emotional Adriano was hugged by all of the gamers when the display confirmed a message created by synthetic intelligence from his deceased father.
Winner of the Copa America in 2004 and the Confederations Cup the next 12 months, at barely 22 years outdated, Adriano steadily disappeared from the radar.
After being a starter on the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he steadily misplaced his place within the nationwide staff and membership soccer, tormented by weight and alcohol issues.
He gained 4 Serie A titles with Inter Milan and the Italian Cup trophy twice. He additionally performed for Italian golf equipment Roma, Parma and Fiorentina throughout his profession which completed in 2016 after a quick stint with Miami United.
Returning to stay within the favela of his childhood, in Rio, he spoke about his issues with alcoholism final month on the specialised website “The Gamers’ Tribune”.
“Are you aware what it’s prefer to be a ‘hope’? I do know it. Together with being a upset hope. The most important waste in soccer: Me. I like that phrase ‘waste’… I don’t do medicine, as they attempt to make folks consider, I’m not a prison however, after all, I may have been… I drink every single day,” he wrote.
