by Anton Johan
Matthew Ethrington, who many say will make the World Cup squad for
England, has admitted to having a serious addiction to gambling.
The Premier League star ,who plays for Stoke City, has been receiving
treatment for his problem and hopes that he has been able to overcome any issues
he had in the past.
The player admitted to blowing over £1.5 million on gambling in the past
and now finds himself £800,000 in debt.
"It got to the point where no matter how much I won or lost, it didn't bother
me," said Ethrington in a candid interview to the Mail on Sunday. "I hit rock
bottom."
The player spoke of the gambling culture among top soccer players and said
that many were in fact taking part in high stake card games.
Ethrington's addiction deteriorated to the point that his family and career
were threatened.
His family, including his parents, sister and partner approached him and
offered their assistance. "They asked me to lay everything on the table," he
recalls in the interview, describing it as the 'defining moment'. "They were all
crying and I was emotional as well. They said: 'We want to help you.'"
Ethrington was strong enough to seek help at the Sporting Chance centre
during the international soccer break in October, a location set up by former
Arsenal and England Captain Tony Adams.
The player is now back in top form and his next goal is to make the World Cup
squad and travel to South Africa in June.
