Inter Milan legend Adriano has reportedly sold his £1.2 million mansion and moved straight into a luxury hotel.
The former Brazil international, who scored 27 goals in 48 appearances for his country and won the Copa America and Confederations Cup, is now staying in the presidential suite at Grand Hyatt in Barra do Tijuca, an upmarket area in Rio de Janeiro.
According to Ole, Adriano received 1.3 million euros for his house but is yet to find a permanent residence and so has moved his family into the hotel - where he's said to be paying around 13,000 euros each month.
The Ribeiro clan are staying in a 145-square-metre room that has a balcony overlooking the ocean as well as a swimming pool that the ex striker has been enjoying.
Advert
Media in Brazil, via the Daily Star, say that 'The Emperor' left the majority of his belongings in house but he made sure to bring all of his trophies, medals and other important personal items with him to the hotel.
Four Serie A winners' medals, and the Copa America and Confederations Cup Golden Shoes are just some of his prized possessions.
With a left-foot that could unleash serious rockets to justify his 99 shot power on PES 6 but also a godly first touch and ability to dribble, Adriano was truly unplayable and finished sixth and seventh in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic told SPORTbible Adriano was "a pure animal" and that he had everything in his game.
Advert
However, persistent off the field problems and an unhealthy lifestyle culminated in a huge fall from grace for Adriano.
After the tragic death of his father, he turned to drugs and alcohol and the regular partying ultimately killed his potential and career.
"Only I know how much I suffered," Adriano told R7 in Brazil.
"The death of my father left a huge hole. I felt alone and I isolated myself when he died. I was sad and depressed in Italy, and that was when I started to drink.
Advert
"I didn't stop drinking and in the end I had to leave Inter.
"I didn't know how to hide it, I arrived drunk in the morning for training sessions. I always showed up, even if I was completely drunk and the medical staff had to take me to sleep in the infirmary.
"Inter told the Press I just had muscular problems. I later realised that the problem was the people around me, friends who did nothing but take me to parties with women and alcohol, without thinking about anything.
"By going back to Brazil I gave up millions, but I gained happiness."
Advert
There were reports that the former Flamengo and Roma man was linked to a Rio gang, while he was arrested on drug trafficking charges before later being cleared.
He'll always be seen as a 'What if?" player but it's wonderful to see him happy and enjoying himself at the age of 39.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Adriano, Brazil, Inter Milan
