'It was killing me' — Ireland striker Connolly reveals battle with alcohol addiction

The Sunderland frontman has opened up in searing, emotional detail on a battle with alcohol which persisted right up until July of this year, threatening his career and life

Thu, 10 Oct, 2024 - 19:08

Joe Callaghan

Ireland international striker Aaron Connolly has opened up in searing, emotional detail on an alcohol addiction that he says "was killing" him.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day, the 24-year-old sat down for an in-depth, 20-minute long interview with new club Sunderland, called My Story. With the emotion all too clear in his eyes and voice, Connolly reveals how bursting on to the scene with Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League and scoring a memorable breakout goal against Tottenham Hotspur proved to be the spark for five years of turmoil and crippling addiction.