Source:REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
[Saba Sports News] Current Premier League Aston Villa star Ross Barkley recently revealed in a media interview that he has been sober for nearly six months. During the interview, he discussed his football career and his changing perspective on alcohol. Barkley stated outright that alcohol had caused him numerous irreparable troubles and regrets. He recalled an incident during his time at Chelsea: one Sunday night, he was photographed out drinking heavily, which made the newspapers, and the team had an away match against Lille that Wednesday. Although he eventually traveled with the team to France, he wasn’t even named on the bench and had to watch his teammates play from the team bus. This experience left him filled with a sense of loss. Additionally, there were multiple instances where news of him being heavily intoxicated reached the club. These past lessons made him deeply aware of the severe impact excessive drinking has on a professional career. To better adjust himself, Barkley not only chose to quit drinking but also proactively consulted a sports psychologist. The psychological therapy he received has provided significant support for his career. He himself admitted that sobriety allows him to maintain clear thinking daily, free from mental interference, and these positive changes benefit both his on-pitch performance and daily life.