Arsenal legend's sad reality of 44 days straight boozing - 'Addiction is not pretty'

Tony Adams previously opened up on the darkest period of his life when he went on a 44-day bender after being ousted by Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 1996, also revealing what helped him kick alcoholism for good

Tony Adams once went on a harrowing 44-day drinking spree before eventually kicking alcoholism for good.

The now 58-year-old established himself as a formidable defender throughout his career, famously dedicating his entire professional football journey to Arsenal. Adams became a Highbury icon between 1983 and 2002, notching up an impressive 630 appearances for the Gunners under managers Terry Neil, Don Howe, and Arsene Wenger.

Despite his on-field success with Arsenal, which included two first-division titles, two Premier League crowns, three FA Cups, and a Cup Winners' Cup, Adams faced significant challenges off the pitch. The former Arsenal skipper battled alcoholism and even served time in jail for a drink-driving offence in 1990 after he hit a wall while driving at four times the legal alcohol limit.

However, a stint behind bars did little to curb his addiction. Reflecting on his struggles with alcohol to ESPNcricinfo in 2019, Adams said: "The denial was really strong, and the consequences too, but even a spell in Chelmsford prison down the road didn't stop me drinking.

"I came out of prison and drunk and drove again. The denial was still in me, and I wasn't ready." Adams also recently opened up on the Reggie Yates Podcast about his harrowing experience following a crushing defeat by Germany in the Euro 1996 semi-finals, revealing a period of intense struggle.

He explained: "I was 29, and I didn't want to be on the planet anymore; it was that painful. I couldn't live with drink or without it. It was my go-to, it was my problem and my solution. My last drink was on Friday at 5pm on the 16th August... I went on a 44-day bender... from the last kick of the game, 26th of June, when the Germans beat us out until the 16th of August. It was pretty cr*p to be honest with you."

He added: "It was really dark, mate, you know, and I don't want anybody to get to that point... it's not pretty, addiction, and thank God I had a moment of clarity and somewhere deep inside of me went 'enough,' and I started to cry... the tears were running down my face."

Adams recalled a pivotal moment that turned his life around, which has helped him maintain sobriety. "I got there and Bill, the governor, came over and said 'You all right Tone, do you want another one? '. I went 'I f**king don't want it, I don't want it no more, I've had enough'.

"I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, and it changed my life. And I never had a compulsion to drink since that moment of surrender, to this day." Adams guided England through Euro 1996's group stages with a bang, securing victories over Scotland and the Netherlands, and snagging a draw against Switzerland.

After nailing a 4-2 victory via a penalty shootout against Spain, England headed to the semi-finals, where they squared off with a formidable German team. The clash ended in heartbreak as England bowed out after a nail-biting 6-5 defeat on penalties following a 1-1 deadlock, with goals from Alan Shearer and Stefan Kuntz lighting up the scoresheet.

Amassing a total of 66 caps for his country from 1987 to 2000, Adams's illustrious international career saw him achieve much but fall just short of claiming a major international accolade. The Englishman also enjoyed managerial stints with Granada, Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth and Gabala.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

UEFA Champions League

Watch Arsenal's Champions League games free
£0 (was £8.99)

Prime Video is broadcasting one Champions League game every game week free for Amazon Prime members. Arsenal's upcoming fixtures include Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, which is free for Prime members or those signing up for a 30-day free trial.

Every Champions League and Europa League game is also available on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s Discovery+ channel.

Amazon
Get Amazon Prime here