British football enthusiasts have often pondered what has led to Aaron Connolly’s downfall of late. Clarifications have been brought forward. Seven years ago, when he played his inaugural game for Brighton at the tender age of 17, he exhibited immense talent. In a more favourable scenario, he could have been the star striker for Ireland on their match in Helsinki last Thursday.
Instead, he is now striving to resurrect his career at Sunderland, marking his sixth club in as many years, beginning with Brighton, then being loaned to Luton, Middlesbrough, Venezia in Italy’s second tier, and Hull City, before transitioning to Sunderland. His exceptional first start in the Premier League where he scored a brace against Spurs for Brighton is just a faint recollection.
Aaron Connolly confesses in an honest interaction on Sunderland’s YouTube channel last Thursday that the main contributor to his hardship has been alcohol. Despite his parents’ warnings, he was unable to resist the lure of alcohol. “It was apparent that I had an alcohol issue for several years,” he revealed in an interview. “Initially, my thrill stemmed from football, winning matches, and netting goals. However, the excitement shifted towards alcohol, so much so that I would eagerly anticipate the conclusion of matches to enjoy a drink,” he added.
”I was a difficult person to be around. Frankly, I couldn’t handle the situation. I started imitating the life of a footballer, but not the footballer’s profession itself. I ignored the hard work that brought me to the point of wealth and being able to take care of my family. It’s painful to reminisce because I realise that I might still be in the Premier League if I had done things right.
I began indulging in a lifestyle that wasn’t true to myself, and I lost sight of my purpose. I initially took up football to score goals in the Premier League, never intending to pursue luxurious cars or grandiose houses. But suddenly, that’s what I kept chasing. It equated to chasing nothing.
Connolly took the decision to battle his alcohol addiction during last summer. “The way I was living was harming there people in my life – my family, my friends and, notably, it was damaging me.”
Life became so unbearable and out of control due to my alcohol addiction, it seemed not worth living. It became clear to me that I needed help so I checked into a treatment clinic for an entire month during the summer.
I underwent the therapy process to recover my life, not for football, but for my relationships. My family, my friends. Everything was spiralling downwards. When I would ignore calls from my parents and knew it was breaking their hearts, that was when I acknowledged the existence of a problem.
Although I had everything a young lad could possibly dream of, I couldn’t fight my addiction. It’s not as simple as a ‘park bench vodka bottle’, anyone can be affected by it. There’s no monetary value or wealth that can cure it.
Alcoholism is a disease and an illness. My time at the clinic was the best and worst month of my life, but it marked a significant point in my life as I was in a very dark place.”
“I must stress that my past behaviour was not reflective of the upbringing I received. My motivation was never driven by financial gain, desire for fame, or the allure of social media popularity. Rather, I was motivated by the welfare of my loved ones, and it brings me immense satisfaction to know that their pride in me has been revived. They are once again proud of the individual that I’ve developed into amidst these circumstances.
I must say, I feel rejuvenated. There’s a feeling reminiscent of being that 15-year-old lad who set off for Brighton with a dream in his heart. I’ve reclaimed that youthful spirit of mine.”