http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/jardel-confesses-drug-use-110884/
Former Brazil and Newcastle Jets striker Mario Jardel has admitted bad influences and depression led him to use cocaine.
The 35-year-old, Europe's top scorer in 1999 and 2002, left A-League side Newcastle Jets in January
"I started making mistakes when I had bad friendships. Then, divorce came, depression and then cocaine," Jardel told Glove TV.
"I now want to restart my life. I am training. I am not a good example for children, but I am admitting my mistake."
"I did not take cocaine when I was playing, only on holidays and at parties. There are alot of players I have met who have suffered in the same way."
Jardel insists he has not take cocaine for two months and is now eyeing a return to football.
"I want to return to a big team. I want to play in a big team, maybe Gremio or Vasco da Gama," he added.
He made his professional debut for Vasco in 1993, while he won the Copa Libertadores with Gremio in 1995.
But while the move has been welcomed by Gremio supporters, director of football Andre Krieger said: "We've been touched by Jardel and the interview, but we must put reason before emotion."
"At this time, we have different priorities and more important problems to solve. In the future, maybe we can analyse his situation, but now we have other priorities."
Former Brazil and Newcastle Jets striker Mario Jardel has admitted bad influences and depression led him to use cocaine.
The 35-year-old, Europe's top scorer in 1999 and 2002, left A-League side Newcastle Jets in January
"I started making mistakes when I had bad friendships. Then, divorce came, depression and then cocaine," Jardel told Glove TV.
"I now want to restart my life. I am training. I am not a good example for children, but I am admitting my mistake."
"I did not take cocaine when I was playing, only on holidays and at parties. There are alot of players I have met who have suffered in the same way."
Jardel insists he has not take cocaine for two months and is now eyeing a return to football.
"I want to return to a big team. I want to play in a big team, maybe Gremio or Vasco da Gama," he added.
He made his professional debut for Vasco in 1993, while he won the Copa Libertadores with Gremio in 1995.
But while the move has been welcomed by Gremio supporters, director of football Andre Krieger said: "We've been touched by Jardel and the interview, but we must put reason before emotion."
"At this time, we have different priorities and more important problems to solve. In the future, maybe we can analyse his situation, but now we have other priorities."