Legendary footballer unrecognisable barefoot on the road with a beer in hand

Former Brazil and Inter Milan striker Adriano has been spotted on the streets of Brazil barefoot with a beer in-hand looking unrecognisable from his playing days.

Once viewed as Ronaldo Nazario – R9’s – successor for Brazil, Adriano’s career never really hit the heights his potential promised. While he did play for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, and helped Inter to four Serie A titles, one of which came due to Juventus being found guilty of match fixing, Adriano’s life was sadly turned upside down by the death of his father, which led to him battling alcohol and depression during his time in Italy.

Recently on social media, football fans were left worrying about the welfare of the cult hero after a video of him looking intoxicated on the streets of Brazil emerged. In the video, the now 42-year-old, who retired at 34 in 2016, can be seen with a beer in his hand whilst chatting and jostling with others.

Previously, the Brazilian has spoken about how he struggled with alcohol and depression following the death of his father. Speaking to Brazilian outlet R7, Adriano said: “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.

“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.”

However, while some were concerned for Adriano’s welfare after seeing the video, others were quick to point out it was entirely possible the former Inter forward was simply just enjoying himself with his friends. One X user wrote on social media: “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, one community note on the video 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” whilst another added: “Adriano, The Emperor is only hanging around with his friends where he grew up. His fortune is around US$11 million in real state and business investments.”