Ezequiel “Pocho” Lavezzi, the Argentine striker who won European titles with Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), spoke to Corriere della Sera about his difficult experience hitting rock bottom due to alcohol abuse.<\/p>\n
The 40-year-old, who was runners-up with Argentina at the 2014 World Cup, admitted he had “experienced a dark place” and spoke about mental health issues stemming from addiction.<\/p>\n
\nI experienced darkness. I was hurting myself. I alternated between depression and anxiety attacks. I was never clear-headed and my head was full of negative thoughts.<\/p>\n
Lavezzi<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nLavessi sought help and, after spending some time in the hospital recovering, was able to get his life back on track thanks to his family and the birth of his second son, Vittorio.<\/p>\n
\nMy advice to anyone who is suffering this way. Please ask for help.<\/p>\n
Lavezzi<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n“I had deep feelings of anxiety and went through darkness. I was hurting myself, myself and my loved ones. I was having repeated depression and anxiety attacks. I was never clear-headed and my head was full of negative thoughts,” he recalled.<\/p>\n
Lavessi: “I hit rock bottom. I couldn’t stand to see myself like that anymore.”<\/h2>\n
Lavezzi explained: “I hit rock bottom and couldn’t bear to see myself like that. With the support of my wife and family, I put myself in the hands of a clinic psychologist and other professionals. My process is not over yet. My advice to anyone who is suffering in this way is to seek help.”<\/p>\n
The former soccer player, who retired in 2020 at the age of 34, said, “I’m proud that I managed to accept and face my vulnerability, and I also feel grateful. Being sick has changed me as a person. I’ve become a more conscious and mature man. Sometimes you can’t see the light without seeing the darkness.”<\/p>\n
Lavessi: “Soccer saved me”<\/h2>\n
Lavezzi wanted to explain why he retired from football at the age of 34. “I wanted to do it while I was still at the highest level because I was tired and felt like it was time to quit. It was a sign of respect for football. Football saved me,” he said.<\/p>\n
Regarding his future after overcoming addiction and mental health issues, he said, “I want to be a person who remembers how I lived, appreciates simplicity, and knows how to enjoy family. I want to live. I’m lucky to have two children, which is life’s greatest gift.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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