Former Premier League defender Daryl Janmaat has spoken publicly about the devastation caused by his cocaine addiction. The 36-year-old, who played for Newcastle United and Watford in the English top flight, admitted the habit inflicted significant damage on his personal and professional life.
Janmaat, a former Netherlands international with 34 caps, retired from football in 2022 after a knee injury. He revealed that the end of his playing career marked the beginning of his struggles. 'I lost the structure I'd had for years as a footballer. That was difficult. The cocaine addiction gradually crept in,' he told Dutch newspaper AD.
The former full-back described how the addiction led to lies and strained relationships. 'You start lying to the people you love. That's terrible; I hurt a lot of people,' he said. Janmaat also confirmed that he and his wife are separated, though they remain on good terms. 'The relationship wasn't going well, you know, but the addiction obviously didn't help,' he added.
Janmaat, who now runs a gym in Scheveningen called High Power Gym, said he received help at a clinic and has since turned his life around. 'Addiction is truly a battle, where you're at your wits' end,' he explained. 'In a clinic like that, you have therapy and counselling. After that, I went in a different direction. Yes, the right direction. Fortunately.'
