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      I was a drug addict – now I’m a tattoo artist and charge celebs £3,000 per inking…how I turned my life around

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      A DRUG addict who turned his life around now makes up to £3,000 per inking from celebrity clients – here’s how he did it.Dan Rossetter, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex had delved so deeply into the crippling world of addiction, he knew he’d end up dead or in prison if he didn’t stop.
      The 40-year-old travels up to 600 miles away to tattoo celebrity clientsCredit: mediadrumimages
      At the age of 30 he had reached a breaking point after dealing with years of painful trauma from being sexually abused throughout his childhood.
      Battling with PTSD, Dan soon lost his job as a BOC gasman – but tried to find some sense of justice in 2013.
      He bravely spoke out about what had been done to him from the age of six to 11, and three years later the survivor saw his abuser sentenced to 13 years in jail.
      However, this did not put an end to Dan’s addiction, and by March 2019 he knew it would either kill him or land him in prison.

      Dan, 40, who now lives in London, told MediaDrumWorld: “My addiction was getting worse, I got to the point where my mental health was deteriorating rapidly and I was feeling very suicidal.
      “With a lot of hard work and help from some very good lifestyle coaches I managed to get myself clean and sober and then my obsession became work and being the best version of myself.”
      Now four years sober, Dan travels to tattoo pro-footballer clients who live up to 600 miles away, and has amassed nearly 200,000 TikTok followers.
      “I’ve tattooed the most footballers out of any other tattoo artist in the world; I’ve documented a lot of this on TikTok which then blew up so my demand for general public clients has also increased massively,” Dan explained.
      Most read in Football
      “I have clients travelling from all over the UK and also from abroad.
      “Recently I flew over to Spain to tattoo Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard, he wanted a scroll with his five kids’ names in it.”
      The TikTok sensation recounted his biggest work of art was for Chelsea Football Club’s Victor Moses.
      It took the talented artist more than eight hours to complete the black and grey tiger back tattoo.
      HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
      Dan is not new to the industry and kick started his career back in 2010.
      He opened a studio in Gatwick but struggled to manage the business for five years, amid his declining mental health.
      “We made the decision to close the doors in 2015 I partnered up with my business partner Ahmed Alsanawi, AKA A Star Barber,” the tattoo artist said.
      “He is one of the biggest barbers in the world for haircuts for celebrities.
      “I have now been in the game for the last 13 years so I’ve gained a lot of snowball effect returning clients that had kept me busy over the years but what I am most recognised for is tattooing professional footballers.”
      He said clients can fork out anything ranging from £700 to £3,000 depending on the session.
      In his bid to stay at the top of his game, the dedicated artist puts in 12-hour shifts busy days.
      ‘SACRIFICES’
      Despite Dan’s gratitude for the success and fortune he’s found in his dream career – it does come at a cost.
      Being on the road and heavy shift hours has seen the TikTok star “burning out mentally and physically” at times.
      Although he has come a long way since turning his life around in 2019, Dan admitted he does still “struggle” to manage the “demanding” business.
      “Also my neck and back has taken a big hit which to this day still causes me a lot of problems,” he added.
      I’ve tattooed the most footballers out of any other tattoo artist in the world.”Dan Rossetta
      However, none of this keeps Dan away from his studio.
      He said: “But I get to have fun at work too, I have a great memory of when I let four Chelsea players tattoo random things on my leg from a emoji poop to a disabled badge, also the Adidas logo is on there.
      “It was a funny afternoon.”
      KEY TO SUCCESS
      After a difficult start to his career journey, Dan wants to educate other people who want to join him.
      One piece of golden advice he offered was to find ways of expanding your portfolio.
      He said: “Create yourself a portfolio of your artwork and keep knocking at the doors of local studios.
      “Become a pest and keep asking until you get an opportunity.”
      Read More on The Sun
      The 40-year-old reminded young artists to stay “relentless” despite it being such a hard industry to break into.
      “If you want it enough you will get your opportunity,” said Dan.
      Dan worked as a BOC gasman before falling into addiction and struggle with his mental healthCredit: mediadrumimages
      He is now four years sober and working in the top circles within the industryCredit: mediadrumimages
      The tattoo artist pictures with Arsenal’s Emile Smith RoweCredit: mediadrumimages More

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      Brave Dele Alli pictured in Everton training for first time since heartbreaking interview about abuse and pill addiction

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      DELE ALLI has returned to Everton training for the first time since his brave tell-all interview.The England midfielder, 27, revealed his sleeping pill addiction and says a huge number of players are suffering with the issue.
      Dele Alli has retuned to training with Everton during pre-seasonCredit: Getty
      Dele returned to training for the first time after his powerful interviewCredit: Getty
      He made the admission in a hard-hitting interview with Gary Neville in which he also revealed he was sexually abused as a child.
      The star, who spent part of last season on loan at Besiktas, also opened up on his difficult childhood during which he sold drugs at eight and was hung off a bridge at 11.
      Today Dele was pictured working with Toffees staff in Evian, France as he takes his first steps to returning to the game.
      With Dele watching on, Sean Dyche’s men began their pre-season  with a 2-1 win over Stade Nyonnais.
      Read More on Football
      A leading sleep expert agrees with the Everton ace that the addiction to prescription drugs is ‘rife’ in English football.
      James Wilson, who has worked with several sides in England, said: “You hear stories from players and staff that say: ‘You should go and work with this club because every first-team player is taking sleeping pills every night.
      “They are not generally good for your sleep and they are not good for recovery so that is why they are not a good idea in football.
      “The fact they are addictive is the cherry on the cake. The use is rife in football because the job itself contributes to poor sleep.
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      “They can be addictive but also the sleeping tablet doesn’t give you sleep, it knocks you out. Sleeping pills impact on REM sleep.
      “Without that  REM sleep, the sleeping pill without him knowing will have contributed to him not being able to deal with the mental health issues that he was living with.”
      Wilson does not blame club doctors for prescribing sleeping pills but has urged further training and education to ensure a severe change  in the attitude towards them.
      He added: “We need to be educating players younger about sleep and we need to support players around their mental health.
      “Often poor sleep can be caused by things going on in the players’ lives.
      “We are not great at supporting men’s feelings. There needs to be more done there.
      Dele opened up about his battle with a sleeping pill addictionCredit: Getty
      Dele also revealed he suffered abuse when he was a childCredit: Getty
      “There needs to be better-trained staff. It is more about nutritionists, physios or sports therapists having a better understanding of sleep so they can advise better.
      “There also needs to be a cultural change. If senior and successful players are taking them then younger players look up to them and it becomes a myth.
      “The problem in football is we approach sleep like we approach training: ‘The harder I try the better I get. If I put X, Y, Z in, I’ll get X, Y, Z out’ but sleep is not like that.”
      Former Oxford United psychotherapist Gary Bloom added: “Football clubs are only just waking up to the realisation that when people have off-field issues, these inevitably end up on the field.
      Read More on The Sun
      “More clubs should be employing psychotherapists who are able to mix and  mingle freely with players and warn them of the consequences if they don’t clean up their personal problems.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Dele Alli breaks down in tears and reveals he went to rehab for six weeks and became addicted to sleeping pills

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      DELE ALLI has revealed in a brave and heartbreaking interview that he became addicted to sleeping pills following his nightmare stint in Turkey.The England international returned to Everton in April after injury cut short his season-long loan with Turkish giants Besiktas.
      Dele Alli returned to Everton in April following a nightmare stint in Turkey with BesiktasCredit: SKY SPORTS
      The former England international went on a downward spiral after his return to EnglandCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Alli, 27, found himself on a downward spiral after returning to England, excessively drinking and consuming sleeping pills.
      And in a desperate bid to get himself back on the straight and narrow, he checked himself into a rehab facility.
      During an appearance on The Overlap with Gary Neville, he revealed: “Now is the right time for me to tell people what’s been going on.
      “It’s tough to talk about because it’s something I’ve hid for a long time.
      Read more on Dele Alli
      “I’m scared to talk about it.
      “When I came back from Turkey I found out I needed an operation I was in a bad place mentally and I decided to go to a modern day rehab facility for mental health.
      “They deal with addiction and trauma. I felt it was time for me.
      “You can’t be told to go there – you have to know and make the decision yourself or it’s not going to work.
      Most read in Football
      Overlap host Gary Neville comforted Dele Alli as he bravely opened upCredit: SKY SPORTS
      “I was caught in a bad cycle and things that were doing me harm.”
      Alli – who also revealed he was sexually abused by a friend of his mum as a child – said his decision to check into rehab was fully supported by Everton, who gave him additional help during the difficult time.
      He said: “Everton were amazing and supported I will be grateful to them forever.
      “For them to be so honest and understanding I couldn’t ask for anything more during a time I was making the biggest decision of my life – doing something I was scared to do. I’m happy I’ve done it.”
      Alli’s once-promising career has been on a downward trajectory for the last few years.
      And he admits his downturn had him contemplating retirement at the age of 24.
      The former Tottenham man said: “One morning I woke up and I had to go training.
      “I remember staring in the mirror and I was asking if I could retire now. At 24. Doing the thing I love.
      Alli revealed he contemplated hanging up his boots aged 24Credit: THE OVERLAP
      “For me that was heartbreaking.”
      He added: “It’s always been me against myself in everything.
      “I was winning the fight, showing I was happy. But inside, I was losing the battle.”
      Overlap host Neville shared a tweet that called the conversation “the most emotional, difficult yet inspirational conversation I’ve ever had in my life”.
      Footie fans got to see what Alli was like off the pitch in Amazon’s 2020 All or Nothing documentary on Tottenham.
      But the former MK Dons ace was far from happy with the light the producers cast him in.
      He said: “I’m glad you asked me about that [Jose Mourinho calling me lazy].
      It’s always been me against myself in everythingDele Alli
      “So that lazy comment people all love to bring that up, that interview obviously that was on Amazon.
      “He called me lazy – that was the day after recovery day.
      “A week later, he apologised to me for calling me lazy because he’d seen me actually train and play.
      “But that wasn’t in the documentary, and no one spoke up about that because it was only me and him.
      “In the team meeting, he called me lazy but then one on one, I think it was on the pitch he apologised for it.
      Dele Alli wasn’t happy with how he was portrayed in the 2020 All or Nothing showCredit: AMAZON
      “And I didn’t think anything of it at the time because I know myself – I’m not lazy.”
      Alli was one of the first Everton senior players to return to pre-season training last week.
      But manager Sean Dyche recently refused to be drawn on the midfielder’s future after his arrival at Goodison Park.
      He said of Alli: “He is not here. He has an injury which will keep him out for some time.
      “Some of the stuff reported – they know what they should and shouldn’t be doing.
      “As a manager, you cannot control everything in their lives.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Should we be following them all day? You can only guide them.
      “He has an injury which will take a while to sort out – it will be a number of weeks.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      I’m a former England star but I ballooned to 17 STONE at my Premier League club – I was fat and frustrated

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      DAVID JAMES has revealed how his mental health suffered while on the bench at Liverpool.The former England goalkeeper, 52, was at Liverpool for seven seasons between 1992 and 1999 – making 277 appearances.
      David James has opened up on his health issues while at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      He explained how he hit 17-stone in weightCredit: Getty
      However, in the 1993/94 season James lost his place in the first team and soon found both his mental and physical health to be deteriorating.
      Speaking on the matter to William Hill podcast Up Front with Simon Jordan, James explained how the lack of a fitness regime saw him reach 17-stone.
      He said: “I reached 17-stone, we didn’t have a fitness regime, and I was fat.
      “The frustration was that I wasn’t playing to a level I felt I should be playing at. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I’m not going to say that I should have been the best goalkeeper in the world, but I can’t think of anything that another goalkeeper has done that I couldn’t do.
      “I was then out of the team for eight months in my second season – I was actually sent off at the end of the first season against Norwich, so I missed the first game of the next season and never made it back into the side under Graeme Souness.”
      James, eventually found his way back into the team before leaving Liverpool for Aston Villa. He later went on to play for West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth in the Premier League.
      In addition to his physical issues, the 53-cap Three Lion also explained how having a chat with a doctor helped him with his mental health, despite Liverpool not believing in sports psychology at the time.
      Most read in Football
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      James added: “I thought that I needed to change because I wasn’t in the first team, so I approached the club doctor and asked if he knew a sports psychologist.
      “He said that Liverpool didn’t believe in that, but I’ll have a look for you.
      “So, this doctor got someone to come over and we sat in my kitchen for two hours – and I wasn’t one for inviting people into my house for private space and all that – so then when I went into work the next day, I went to the doctor and said that he was amazing.
      “He said that he wasn’t a sports psychologist, I don’t know what he did, but that two-hour conversation made things change. 
      “The reason these people were having a go at me was that I wasn’t being the professional I could have been.
      “So when they were calling me ‘Calamity James’, saying I was addicted to Xbox, and that I couldn’t catch a cold, it was a case of ‘I know I can’, but why am I not doing that?”
      Since retiring in 2015, James has gone on to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and feature in Soccer Aid.
      James pictured lining up for England in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      James left Liverpool for Aston Villa in 1999Credit: Getty More

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      Boxer Nick Blackwell shows off three-stone body transformation after nearly dying in ring and becoming ‘unrecognisable’

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      FORMER boxer Nick Blackwell has showed off his amazing body transformation.Blackwell, 32, nearly died in the ring after suffering a bleed on the brain following his middleweight title fight with Chris Eubank Jr in March 2016.
      Nick Blackwell shared his inspirational body transformationCredit: https://twitter.com/nickblackwell02/status/1660642129402576897/photo/1
      Blackwell said he looked ‘unrecognisable’ as his old selfCredit: https://twitter.com/nickblackwell02/status/1660642129402576897/photo/1
      The 32-year-old is a former British middleweight championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Blackwell suffered a bleed on his brain after a fight against Chris Eubank Jr.Credit: Reuters
      And after a huge struggle with his mental health, Blackwell has now revealed a stunning body transformation which has seen him lose three stone.
      Taking to his Twitter page, the former British middleweight champion shared two images of himself – one taken four years ago and one now.
      Blackwell, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, described himself as “unrecognisable” in the older picture.
      He said: “It’s taken 4 years to lose 3 stone because of my disabilities and my brain Injury, but I’ve done it with support of my partner, balanced meals, little exercise.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I was unrecognisable as the old nick after my coma and it effect my mental health. FOLLOW ME show support #weightloss #tbi #braininjury.”
      The inspirational post left fans praising his journey.
      One said: “Bang Bang! Well done fella! Keep up the great work! This is the biggest fight of your life and you are killing it! Super proud of you Nick! Keep inspiring people by being yourself!”
      A second commented: “Pleased for you, Nick. That would not have been easy for you either – strength and dedication.”
      Most read in Boxing
      A third replied: “Your one hell of a man Nick, truly inspirational mate.
      “It must be so hard for you to deal with a brain injury everyday, but you make it look easy mate. I for one appreciate all your tweets, so thank you mate and keep on fighting 👏🏾💪🏾❤.”
      Another shared: “Great stuff mate your smashing it. In a world with so many crap role models your one of the top role models not only for kids but for adults. Fair play to you a true champion of life. 💪🏻.”
      “Congratulations bro keep it up, namaste,” typed a fifth.
      Blackwell’s injury left him in a coma for SEVEN days.
      However, just ten months after recovering from surgery for the incident, he tried to make his return to the ring with a sparring session.
      This went against doctors advice and came to bite him, with Blackwell being left “unable to walk” after going 12 rounds with a boxer called Hasan Karkardi.
      This led to part of his SKULL being removed to relieve pressure on his brain, leaving him in a coma for a month on this occasion.
      Following his second near-death experience, Blackwell told The Telegraph: “I died in the ambulance after the Eubank fight. They brought me back to life.
      “The second time, they cut a section out of my skull to relieve the swelling on my brain.
      “They placed it inside my stomach to keep it alive until it went back. Crazy.
      “I was told there was a 75 per cent chance of dying. If I survived, there was an 85 per cent chance of being paralysed down my left side.”
      Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, told SunSport: “I understand he was sparring, fell ill, was taken to hospital and then underwent a procedure.
      “I don’t know exactly what the procedure was, other than the fact they tried to relieve pressure on the brain and he’s now in a stable condition. That’s all I know.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m sickened by it. It’s a very tough sport and the doctors here did a wonderful job to save his life. The doctors at hospital saved his life and kept him going.
      “He made remarkable recovery and for somebody to go and do what he’s done, for what I thought was a very sensible young man, is just beyond belief.” More

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      in Boxing

      Fuming boxing legend Frank Bruno claims ministers ‘don’t give a monkey’s’ about people with mental health problems

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      BOXING great Frank Bruno claims ministers “don’t give a monkey’s” about people with mental health problems.The ex-world heavyweight champ says those with illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are being betrayed.
      Boxing legend Frank Bruno says mental health sufferers have been let down by politiciansCredit: PA
      Frank, 61, said: “Every time an election comes up ministers say, ‘We will make changes, we will spend some money, we will make things better’.
      “It’s a lie. They don’t stick to it. A lot of them just don’t give a monkey’s.
      “There’s tens of thousands of people across the country being let down and betrayed.
      “I’ve been invited into the House of Commons and I’ve heard a lot of very important people promise the world.
      READ MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH
      “Then, when you try to phone up to get something, they don’t want to know.”
      Frank won the WBC world title by beating Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995 and twice fought ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson
      He has since struggled with bipolar disorder but said he now feels “better than he has in years”.
      Describing the current failures in the system he said: “Too often doctors are just sending patients home with tablets or locking people up in hospitals and forcing them to exist like zombies.
      Most read in Boxing
      “I’d like to see the politicians go inside those hospitals to see what really goes on. But they don’t want to do it. It’s shameful.” More

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      Moment Jeff Stelling breaks down in tears on penultimate Soccer Saturday after eating disorder chat

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      JEFF Stelling has broken down in tears on Soccer Saturday, as he spoke about the danger of eating disorders.A march to promote awareness about the mental health disorder was led by Hope Virgo this morning.
      Jeff Stelling broke down in tears on Soccer Saturday, as he spoke about the danger of eating disorders
      He spoke passionately about the cause, highlighting issues such as calorie counts being added to many menus across the country
      While reading a message from the Dump The Scales activist, the Sky Sports presenter revealed more people die from eating disorders than any other mental disorder each year.
      Horrifying statistics showed up to 20 per cent of all cases result in death.
      As he broke down, fighting tears, Stelling said: “It’s 2023, eating disorders are being swept under the carpet.
      “No one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2023.

      “Those with eating disorders need action and help.
      “And they need it now.”
      He spoke passionately about the cause, highlighting issues such as calorie counts being added to many menus across the country.
      Jeff also revealed that many are told by medical professionals that they’re “not thin enough” to be treated for an eating disorder.
      Most read in Football
      Stelling has previously shared his opinions on Twitter, he wrote: “One part of society totally ignored and, worse, endangered.
      “Lets hope all restaurants involved offer menus without calories as an alternative like Cote.”
      “For those who ‘are not sure what the problem is’ educate yourselves over eating disorders”, he added.
      “It is one of the least understood conditions in society today.”
      This comes as the 68-year-old presenter recently announced his retirement from Soccer Saturday in an emotional speech on air.
      He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
      “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
      “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”

      His final broadcast – which will no doubt be watched by thousands of long-time fans of the show – will be on May 28.
      And talks of his replacement are well underway, with Sky Sports presenter Julian Warren as one potential candidate.
      Read More on The Sun
      And, SunSport reported earlier this month that Adam Smith – also known as ‘Smithy’ – is frontrunner for the role.
      How to help
      If someone you know is being treated for an eating disorder, their treatment team will play a big part in their recovery.
      But do not underestimate the importance of your love and support.
      It may help to:

      learn as much as possible about eating disorders, so you understand what you’re dealing with
      keep telling them that you love them and will always be there for them
      make them aware of the professional help available
      suggest activities they could do that do not involve food, such as hobbies and spending time with friends
      ask them what you can do to help
      try to be honest about your own feelings, as this will encourage them to do the same
      try to build their confidence, for example, praise them for being thoughtful or congratulate them on something they’ve done

      Source: NHS 

      The presenter spoke passionately about the cause
      Stelling wanted restaurants to stop labelling calories next to food on menus
      He said no one should be dying of eating disorders in 2023 More

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      I played in the Premier League for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, now I work a very different job as a landscaper

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      FORMER Chelsea keeper Lenny Pidgeley now works as a landscape gardener, five years after hanging up his boots.The shot-stopper, 39, joined the Blues as a teenager and began being selected in Jose Mourinho’s squads during the 2004/05 season.
      Lee Pidgeley made two appearances in Chelsea’s first teamCredit: Rex
      Pidgeley left Stamford Bridge in 2006Credit: Rex
      He was on the bench for their 2005 League Cup triumph, before he made his Premier League debut towards the end of the campaign in a 1-0 win over Charlton – the same day they lifted the Premier League trophy.
      And Chelsea skipper John Terry even went out of his way to ensure he received a winner’s medal.
      Pidgeley left Stamford Bridge in 2006 after two appearances and went on to play for clubs such as Exeter City and Newport County.
      He then ended up in non-league, before joining his final side Farnborough in 2018.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      But just three months after penning a deal, the club announced he had retired due to mental health problems.
      Pidgeley, who is open about his struggles with depression, has now spoken to FourFourTwo about the time he had been unable to play in an FA Cup tie due to his mental state.
      And the response from Farnborough was something he will never forget.
      He said: “The manager had made me feel so small and suggested it was all my fault if they lost, because I couldn’t play.
      Most read in Football
      “It wasn’t for him to announce my retirement like that – he completely stole my moment, something that every professional has a right to tell the world when they want to. 
      “That could have tipped somebody else over the edge, but luckily for me I had the coping mechanisms in place to put it to one side.
      “The manager received a big backlash after that statement – which the club eventually deleted – and I received lots of support online, but once again, it illustrated how some people view mental health and depression.”
      Five years on from his days at Farnborough, Pidgeley is now in a much better head space.
      He said: “I’m in control now. I’m very proud of my career.
      “It’s tempting to wonder how different it could have panned out if I wasn’t one of the thousands who suffer from depression, but I am where I am and I’m finding peace.
      “After all, not many football fans grow up to lift the Premier League title for their boyhood club 10 minutes after making their debut.”
      Mourinho guided Chelsea to successive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006Credit: AFP – Getty More