The rise and fall of Adriano: Brazil’s Copa 2004 hero returns to his homeland as latest attempt to kick-start career fails
SunSport looks back at tragic career of the once promising Inter starlet and the striker's astonishing fall from grace
“MY DAD always supported me. He liked to watch me play. Without him, I started to drown all my problems in alcohol. I was drinking heavily and couldn’t go out.”
As the sad career of the once potential superstar Adriano takes another twist, we look back at how the tragic untimely death of his father deeply affected the Brazilian.
Larger than life footballers, Ronaldo and Adriano as the
L’Imperator (The Emperor) — as he became known in Italy — has been blighted with weight issues throughout his tumultuous career but appeared set for one final fling when he posted snaps of himself in fine shape on his Instagram account ahead of a move to Miami United.
And, despite signing for the US side — and even purchasing a 50 per cent stake in the club — the 34-year-old has made a return to his homeland
Miami United posted a press release on Twitter, indicating the ‘trip’ was with their authorisation.
However, Brazilian news outlet globoesporte report Adriano is intent on staying, having expressed his desire to join former club, Flamengo.
He once had the world at his feet following a sensational performance at the successful 2004 Copa America.
Adriano burst onto the scene three years earlier as a 19-year-old with Inter.
The Brazilian introduced himself with ferocious last-minute free-kick to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a friendly.
His introduction was timely for both club and country, with Ronaldo enduring a length spell on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury.
The return of the of two-time Ballon d’Or winner saw Adriano loaned out to Fiorentina midway through the 2001-02 season — and then the club entered into a co-ownership agreement with Parma, in order to sign Fabio Cannavaro.
The Brazilian moved to the Gialloblu and formed a deadly partnership with Adrian Mutu until the latter moved to Chelsea.
In the summer of 2004, the Samba Stars went into the Copa America tournament as favourites — and Adriano was their star man.
He didn’t disappoint.
The then 22-year-old lit up the tournament in Peru. His seven goals earnt him the Golden Boot — while his final heroics saw Brazil claim their seventh continental title.
Argentina looked have ended 11 years of hurt when Cesar Delgado put them 2-1 up with three minutes remaining.
But Adriano popped up to equalise three minutes into stoppage time.
He scored the first as Brazil beat their arch-rivals on penalties.
The world was now his oyster — and former club Inter decided to buy him back.
However, tragedy struck in late-2004 as Adriano’s world was turned upside down after his father, Almir, died of a heart attack.
The striker had admitted a motivation for him on the pitch was to see his dad happy, after he had been so supportive growing up.
Adriano struggled to cope with the loss, and began drinking heavily — he even skipped training after failing to recover from a night out.
He was twice caught partying in Milan night clubs during the 2006-07 and president Massimo Moratti sent him back to Brazil on unpaid leave.
Adriano enjoyed a brief reprieve when Jose Mourinho took over two years later.
But, before the season had ended, Inter cut their losses and the striker returned to Flamengo in 2009.
Adriano starred in Brazil, leading his side to their first league title since 1992, netting two hat-tricks.
Impressed, Roma took a punt on the 28-year-old — only to terminate his deal seven months into a three-year contract.
In 2011, a large-looking Adriano joined Corinthians and won another league title.
But was released a year later after the club claimed he lacked interest.
Apparently determined to prove he could still be a success, Adriano posted pictures of on his Instagram, showing an amazing transformation.
In January 2016, after four years of on-pitch inactivity, he signed a contract with Miami United.
However, it appears the latest attempt — like his time at the top — has ended prematurely.
