A former Brazil international, who was part of Real Madrid's Galacticos side of the mid-2000s, has revealed that he was an alcoholic during his time with the club, and that he used to drink up to 10 beers a day.
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Cicinho, who was part of Los Blancos' 2006/07 LaLiga-winning squad, recently made an emotional confession to Brazilian newspaper Estado de Sao Paulo, as cited by Marca, during which he revealed he battled with alcoholism for nearly 20 years.
"I started drinking with 13 to 14 years, when I went to the Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto," the 39-year-old revealed.
"They told me that the beer was good and I drank. It all started with the first drink and I didn't stop until I was 30 years old – almost 20 years drinking."
The former Brazil international, who made 17 appearances for his country, explained that he used to drink "more or less 10 beers a day" before realising, during his time with AS Roma, that he had a problem after he had fallen out of love with football.
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"I was always in love with football," he continued.
"When God gives a gift and we don't know how to manage it, it's because there is something wrong. I had no more pleasure in entering the field, training and concentrating..."
Cicinho has since turned his life around, which he credits to his faith and the influence his wife has had on his life.
"She (his wife) encouraged me to know the principles I had, which were oriented to the word of God, and that is how I had my transformation."
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The 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup winner spent a solitary season with Real, scoring three goals and registering five assists in 32 appearances for the club.
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