Danny Murphy: Cocaine addiction after retirement
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has opened up about his struggles with cocaine addiction after his playing career ended. Murphy, who had successful stints with clubs such as Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool football shirt,Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers, retired from professional football in 2013.
The transition from the high-paced environment of professional football to retirement proved to be a challenge for Murphy. He found that without the structure and adrenaline rush that came with the game, he found himself facing significant problems. In a candid discussion on the Ben Heath podcast, the 47-year-old admitted to turning to cocaine and marijuana, although he stated that he can do without alcohol.
Considering his addiction, Murphy acknowledged the gradual descent into dependence. At first, he managed his intake but soon found himself needing the substance more frequently. He described a time when he felt he could not function without her, a feeling he recognized as irrational in retrospect. However, with the support of therapy and seeking help, Murphy was able to deal with his addiction and work toward recovery.
Murphy's football career began at Crewe Alexandra before moving to Liverpool kids football shirt in 1997. During his seven-year tenure at Anfield, he enjoyed significant success, contributing to trophy wins in the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Cup in 2001. His performances also earned him nine caps for England.
After his time at Liverpool, Murphy played for Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers, where he continued to make his mark on the pitch. Despite the achievements of his football career, Murphy admitted he struggled in his post-retirement life, experiencing what he described as "a year of being in a world of pain".
However, Murphy emphasized that the challenges he faced led to personal growth. He credited the period from 2017 onwards as transformative, sparking a new desire for self-improvement. Furthermore, Murphy highlighted the prevalence of similar problems among former footballers and expressed gratitude for the support he received from his colleagues.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has been actively involved in supporting members dealing with issues related to addiction. With cases such as Everton midfielder Del Alli's addiction to sleeping pills and former goalkeeper Chris Kirkland's struggles with painkillers, the PFA continues to prioritize player welfare.
Despite progress in providing support, Murphy acknowledged the lack of a foolproof solution. He emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to address mental health and addiction issues within the football community.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has admitted he developed a cocaine addiction after retiring. Despite a successful career with clubs such as Crewe Alexandra And awomen's Liverpool football shirt,Murphy found himself dealing with the void left by football's adrenaline rush. He turned to cocaine and weed, admitting he managed his addiction at first, but eventually succumbed to its grip. Support and care helped his recovery. Murphy's story sheds light on the challenges faced by retired athletes, and highlights the importance of supporting mental health in the sports community.