Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has lifted the lid on his struggles with depression, admitting his family nearly drove him to the brink of suicide.
The Togo international currently plays for Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir, following brief spells at Real Madrid, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
However, despite the success he achieved during his career, Adebayor claims his own family placed a horrendous amount of financial pressure on him from a young age.
Advert
Advert
The 33-year-old spoke to So Foot (via the Mirror) and called his family 'manipulative' in their attempts to access his fortune.
He said, "I felt like killing myself so many times. I kept this to myself for years and years. I am disgusted that things reached this stage, but I feel relieved to have talked about it.
"My football career will be finished in three or four years. By contrast my family name will remain with me - together with these people," Adebayor added.
"Things are hard to bear when you are working hard to lift your family our of poverty, but they are still opposed to you. I have always told my younger brothers that we have been manipulated by our families.
Advert
Adebayor has revealed that his family's 'manipulative' ways almost drove him to suicide. Image: PA
"I often change my phone number so that my family can't contact me. They call me, not to ask how I am, but to demand money. That was the case after I injured my hamstring while with Tottenham.
Advert
"They rang me while I was having a scan to ask me if I could pay a kid's school fees. At least ask me first how I am before you do this!"
Adebayor spent the majority of his Premier League career at the Emirates before eventually leaving England for Turkey in 2016.
This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Topics: Football News, Football, Emmanuel Adebayor