Tony Adams interview: 'I was talented and I kept getting away with it'

The former Arsenal and England captain believes he has finally ‘grown up’, with ‘no tentacles’ from his troubled past

Arsenal captain Tony Adams celebrates his goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Manchester United at Highbury in 1998. Pic: Allsport

Tony Adams has always been a contradiction. He led and captained an elite Arsenal dressing room for 14 years but struggled to care for himself. The epitome of bravery on the pitch and “a scared little boy” off it. A career full of drive and determination but also weak will. 

These days, the contradictions are softer. An East End boy living in the Cotswolds, a recovered alcoholic happily married to a member of the Teacher’s whisky dynasty. A snappy dresser with a messy haircut. The difference is that, unlike the old days, everything seems to fit.