'I drank nine bottles of wine a day' admits Sansom, as former England defender reveals battle against alcohol

'I drank nine bottles of wine a day' admits Sansom, as former England defender reveals battle against alcohol

Former Arsenal and England defender Kenny Sansom has admitted drinking up to nine bottles of wine a day during the recent period when he slept on the streets.
The 54-year-old, who played 86 times for his country, has been sober for more than a month after being checked into Champneys health resort.
But, in an interview that supports the alarming new research into the issues suffered by former professional sportsmen, Sansom revealed his fears of a relapse.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Kenny Sansom: Great strike against Scotland

On the mend: Kenny Sansom has been sober for over a month

He told Sky News: ‘When you come to the end of your career you obviously have more time on your hands and you drink three or four times a week, then it becomes every day, and at one stage I was drinking eight or nine bottles of wine a day.
‘I was drinking to forget problems and I didn't mind sleeping rough because I'd get miserably drink and then just fall asleep somewhere on a park bench.’
Sansom contacted the Professional Footballers’ Association before being admitted to Champneys health resort.
He added: ‘I can't really say
I will never drink again because I'll not only be kidding people watching this but I'd be kidding myself, but I take one day at a time and today I don't want a drink.
‘I think the biggest thing is don't be afraid to ask for help, that doesn't mean you are weak, it actually means you are stronger.’

Kenny Sansom: Great strike against Scotland

Gunners favourite: After first starring for Crystal Palace, Sansom scored six goals in 394 games for Arsenal between 1980 and 1988

Represented: Before seeing the record broke by Ashley Cole, Sansom's 86 caps for England was the most of any full-back

Sansom is by no means alone in the issues he has encountered. A startling new survey has found that almost a quarter of retired sportsmen suffer with addiction, health or financial problems.
Of the 1,200 retired footballers, rugby players, jockeys and cricketers surveyed by their respective unions, 24 per cent admitted they had endured issues with either their mental health, financial wellbeing or addictions.
Approximately 79 per cent claimed they were content with their lives after the end of their competitive careers, but 32 per cent said they did not feel in control in the first two years after retirement, highlighting the problems facing ex professionals.
The survey also found that 16 per cent experienced ‘feelings of despair’, 16 per cent endured a loss of self esteem and 17 per cent reported anxiety or stress issues.

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