Former England international footballer Kenny Sansom has revealed his ongoing battle with alcohol has left him homeless and feeling suicidal. The 56-year-old, once a celebrated defender for Arsenal and England, says he has hit rock bottom after a glittering career that included 86 caps for his country.
In an emotional interview, Sansom admitted to drinking a bottle of rosé wine each morning and taking Night Nurse to sleep. He said he has contemplated suicide, stating, 'If I could have two tablets I would take them to die.' He has been sleeping rough in parks or on the streets, and recently spent a night in police cells after a drunk and disorderly incident.
Sansom, who earned £1,200 a week at his peak, now lives on a monthly PFA pension of £622, half of which goes to his ex-wife. He has accepted an offer from former teammate Tony Adams to enter rehab at the Sporting Chance clinic, and the Professional Footballers' Association is working with the Sunday Mirror to support him.
Reflecting on his decline, Sansom said, 'I look at those pictures and I just think, “Kenny, what are you doing?” I hate it. I’m gonna give it my best go to finally beat this now.' He hopes that by sharing his story, he can turn his life around.
