Ex-Everton striker reveals battle with alcohol

Ex-Everton striker reveals battle with alcohol

Brazilian Jo speaks out about his struggles off the pitch

Ex- Everton striker Jo has revealed his battle with alcohol.

The 29-year-old enjoyed two loan spells with the Blues between 2009-10 and scored eight goals in 36 appearances.

Jo joined Everton from Manchester City but would not play in England again after his time at Goodison.

The former Brazil international is now playing in the Chinese Super League with Jiangsu Suning and in an interview with Globo he has opened up on his difficulties with drink.

“I put the drink first, because it takes you to other situations,” Jo is quoted as saying.

“For example, I could get a drink here at home, or two, or three, with my wife and friends.

“Then, if I did not play, I began to drink at home. And then I’d go out.

“[Alcohol] makes you do things you did not want to do.”

He added: “After a while you find yourself in a place you do not want to be.

“I began to drink, drink, drink and I wanted to drink until morning. I went out in the morning and wanted to go to another bar.

“Then later, when I stopped, thought, what am I doing? Where am I? My wife is at home…

“I told her I wouldn’t do it anymore, but after a while, two days, I did it again.”

Jo says he has now been sober for two years.

“The parties were not the priority,” he said.

“I liked to drink at home, but it took me to do other things. The drink was the crucial point.

“Today I sleep all night. I’m already two years without a drink. I’m 100% improved.”

Liv Echo