FOOTY legend Kenny Sansom has revealed how he’s been sober for two years – and is winning his fight with alcoholism.
The former Arsenal and Crystal Palace defender, 63, took to social media to tell fans how he was “feeling good”.
Tweeting during a visit to the Emirates Stadium he said: “I went to the @Arsenal event last night, about the new stadium art. It was brilliant.
“It was really good to see the old players and some old teammates.
“All my drinks were soft drinks. I’ve been sober for over two years now and I’m feeling good.”
Sansom added: “Ian Wright was there, Lee Dixon, David Seaman and Paul Davis too.
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“Lee said that I was his hero when he came to the club, which was lovely.
“Seeing the lads was so nice. David Rocastle’s wife was there too.”
The former left-back had gone through an extremely tough time since retiring, revealing in 2014 that he was homeless.
He told The Sun: “I’ve been living homeless for 10 days.”
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“That’s because I’ve got no money, I’m a drunk, I’m feeling not very well and I’m a gambler.
“I’ve been living on the street. It’s not good living on the bench.”
And in 2016 he even said that he was “ready to die”.
Sansom commented back then: “I want to kill myself. I don’t feel like I’ve got anything left to live for.
“I want to forget my life. I can’t handle life any more. If I could end it now, I would.”
Two and a half years ago, he was left fighting for his life after allegedly being attacked in Exeter.
And he was later diagnosed with a brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
His symptoms include impaired memory, vision changes and ataxia – a degenerative disease of the nervous system that include slurred speech and incoordination.
But the former Gunner looked in excellent health as he rocked up to the Emirates, leaving fans delighted.
Thousands commented, wishing him well.
One wrote: “Ah Kenny this is so brilliant! I haven’t seen you for ages but I’m so glad you’re well!
“I’m coming up to three years sober and it’s the best thing I ever did. You look so well! Bravo! X”
Retired footballer Micky Hazard also commented saying: “Looking amazing Kenny, great to see you back and looking so well, keep up the great work you are doing and I look forward to seeing you around sometime #TopManTopPlayer”
Those close to Kenny Sansom say he is now better than ever.
He turned out 394 times for the Gunners in the eighties – and also played for Newcastle, QPR, Coventry, Everton and Watford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
