"I had everything, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction" | My Story: Aaron Connolly

[@rogermisun-gray6383]

As a Brighton fan, it was hard to watch someone so obviously piss their talent and career away, but it’s impressive and laudable for Aaron to now face up to that, be honest with himself, and genuinely try to reset and start again. This interview took a lot of courage, respect to him for doing it and best wishes for a fresh future.

[@kevinbury3617]

agree irish fan , everyone knew but hopefully he is dealing with his demons

[@alfiegrove7233]

Yeah we all knew he has issues when he was at the Albion, but didn’t know they was to this extent

[@ColinH1973]

Well said, and good luck this season.

[@JonathanHarrison-u2u]

Fair play Aaron, it’s very easy for people to criticise, but there isn’t a single person who hasn’t made mistakes. Please don’t beat yourself up, you speaking up will not only help you, but there’s a good chance that you will have helped many other people along the way. I’m a Norwich fan, but I wish you nothing but the best for your career. Good luck.

[@DavidDyson-ul4si]

Well done so far, keep your head down train hard, score a bagful of goals, and get Sunderland promoted, from a Brentford supporter.

[@Adam-sd2ow]

Fair play to the lad for his honesty, only he can turn his career around. Hopefully Sunderland helps him do that and we get the benefit of him giving his all to turn things around.

[@chriscarter-jackson7121]

Good comments mate. Let us hope he comes good for us. He deserves the chance.

[@KarenKerrison]

Welcome to SAFC Aaron, that’s brave mate to tell your story with such honesty. Honesty and working hard, as a supporter that’s all we ask for, to wear that shirt with pride and do your best, there’s a lot of love here in the North East for you lad. Love to you and all of Yours ❤

[@le5tingz]

@@chriscarter-jackson7121 If he does play well for you I'm sure he will be like vardy and stay loyal to Sunderland

[@Lamebred.]

​@@le5tingz Jamie Vardy used to play part time while working in a factory. He knows real people struggles.

[@i_amrockie3730]

footballer from kenya here here lost alot of opportunities to make it because of weed addiction,went to rehab last year,got well unfortunately i tore my lcl last dec and went back to smoking due to depression as my parents couldn't afford surgery so i had to recover in the gym,11months later an mri yesterday i was told i could get back to training,I literally searched 'footballer interview' because i wanted some motivation but coincidentally i ran into this.After that injury i've realized i took my opportunities for granted and i decided to change my life today from this interview and continue following my dream to make it pro and i believe i will.Thankyou for speaking connoly,thankyou too sunderland.

[@LukeiousONieniousMaximous]

Takes a lot of gut to do an interview like this on such a sensitive topic to him, well done lad 👏 everyone can revive their career! Especially here.

[@ethantodd2]

Very brave to speak out - SAFC are behind you, Aaron.

[@watts4433]

You won’t be 4 games deep when you see he’s about as much use as Warwick Davis on stilts

[@MrHarvey1968]

Best of luck Aaron from a Brighton fan. Obviously got talent but even the most gifted still have to work hard. Sunderland should be good for you.

[@sanddancersafc]

Brave lad speaking out like this, so openly. Best wishes to him.

[@itsTodd]

Let’s get right behind this lad, the first step of recovery is admission. Think he has all the attributes to be good for us. Haway the lads!

[@Whereswolly-hl5kk]

He has talent to burn. It was blatantly obvious there was something up that was stopping his progression. Still young enough to turn it around and this interview and moving to Sunderland could be the start of it

[@GaryM67-71]

Heavy drinking is rife in Sunderland, as it is elsewhere in the country. Endemic. People are lost, they don't know God, so they have no self-control. Sad times.

[@04mdsimps]

@@GaryM67-71they’re giving out wine for free in gods house like

[@coffeegoblin]

I desperately hope this lad does well. Score goals and he will be loved.

[@daviddonnelly7182]

Be kind to yourself Aaron , everyone can make mistakes and everyone has the right to change. Good luck at Sunderland you are welcome here.

[@OhioHoon]

God go with you Aaron Connolly

[@1968j]

Stay grounded Aaron. Sunderland will be your turning point. All of us in Ireland wish you well , you got this 🇮🇪

[@ZiggyMarlon-gf6qv]

Well done, lad. Welcome to Sunderland! 👏💪

[@politikking3340]

When Sunderland signed him, pundits on BBC radio Newcastle said he had a bit of a reputation but didn't know why. It takes real courage to come out and tell your story and Sunderland fans and club will be beside you every step of your journey. May God bless you and give you strength. Menace to sobriety is a good podcast to listen to.

[@Jake-hv2oh]

Massive respect. Welcome to Sunderland

[@EverGreen1888]

Aaron went to the same school as me in Galway. He's a brilliant lad. We're all behind you Aaron! Best of luck with Sunderland

[@owen9045]

You’re not alone with this mate, I’m going through the same thing your an inspiration and if u keep going with us all behind you your gonna shine I promise. Takes guts to do this mate

[@antonimaxwell-iw4jx]

And godbless yourself and continue to fight brother. It’s tough battle. Much love 🙏

[@graham8989898]

Fair play to him, got to respect anyone coming out and speaking this honestly

[@malcolmdonnison3987]

Wen I met him at the academy , I warmed to him straight away . He's a nice lad and speaks from his heart . We will support you all the way at safc . 👍😁

[@RobertUnwin-s9y]

Can't think of a more courageous interview done by a current player. Absolutely brutal in his honesty. Right behind you Aaron and wishing you every success!

[@TheBozzman]

Get behind this lad, takes a lot of courage to admit these things.

[@GaryM67-71]

Not really, he's just talking about his life, not difficult to do at all.

[@Golkfyerick]

​@@GaryM67-71 He's a current professional footballer that's talking openly about his experience with addiction. Deserves credit for speaking up I feel. It's a human problem. We can all be a bit of a nob end sometimes, just try not to be a complete nob end.

[@GaryM67-71]

@@Golkfyerick I give him credit for speaking about it, but it's not brave at all.

[@GaryM67-71]

@@Golkfyerick Knob, not nob btw.

[@stuartarthur9844]

​@@GaryM67-71have you watched the interview. Especially at 12 minutes it's very brave. To admit you have everything, but all you really want to do is drink.

[@topcatom]

Takes alot coming out like this, well done

[@MattLucas-p7k]

Potentially one of the best videos released by the club. Hats off to the lad for putting this out there. Take away the football, health is the most important thing. Bringing the football back in, we could have a class striker on our hands here!!!! Looking forward to seeing him play!!

[@GaryHoyle-p6i]

He's had the guts to admit he's took the wrong path but that's in the past We need to get right behind him & give him the love & support to make him wanted again

[@abbottsadventures]

That was incredibly moving. I wish him well and hope, above everything else, he can rid himself of the demons.

[@gillianangus1175]

Very emotive interview. What a lovely lad. His parents must be so, so proud of him ❤

[@colinfinn4640]

Fair play very hard to talk about stuff like this loads of respect

[@PowerJugs]

Can only but respect someone who is willing to try and tackle something like this and share it.

[@paulfoot1042]

Welcome to Sunderland. Good luck we are behind you all the way!

[@imnothere220]

Well done, man. This takes guts. Always rooting for you in Dublin here.

[@ryanlaffey5578]

Let's go Connolly 🔴⚪🔴⚪. Put the shirt on and give Sunderland 110% and the fans will love you win lose or draw. Now is the time.

[@safcdean7374]

Only another alcoholic can understand "the stories". Massive respect for speaking up. Hope your continuing with meetings ❤🤍❤️🤍

[@stuartarthur9844]

100%

[@davidjones532]

Not every alcoholic drinks 24/7 some just binge now and then and don’t think they have a problem it’s realising it admitting it then getting sorted out well done son your at the right club fire those goals in you will be adored by 40000 👏👏👏

[@mikelitorous5570]

I’ve been in a similar situation having poor mental health and using drink as a way of coping but instead just putting the burden onto others, making my family worry when I’m out, embarrassing myself and friends in front of their friends, pissing people off and not realising and giving myself a poor reputation which pissed me off when I was sober. Where now that I have my mental health under control I can go out and enjoy a drink as well as enjoying the company of the people around me and enjoy myself without going too far.

[@yaboybilton7966]

Got a really good feeling about him. Haway Aaron

[@hooflungpoo700]

Stay strong and stay the course Aaron you will be loved here if you show faith ha'way the lads!

[@ddguitars1969]

Every time you feel down Aaron, just remember the Sunderland fans…. They all want you to do well and will support you all the way. Keep your chin up, and throw yourself into the games….you won’t go far wrong..

[@into_lunch4556]

I wish him all the best, he deserves a break after everything he’s been thru.

[@idontusetwitter]

Fresh starts Aaron lad. New horizons and all that.

[@AD-dw5up]

I don't get emotional very often, but from the depths of his turmoil I truly believe Aaron Connolly will defeat his demons. I know there's very good player in there; I also know the Sunderland fans will get behind him.

[@DCO-3447]

We will

[@sarahpoyntz9215]

As a Brighton fan, I wish you every success Aaron. Thank you for speaking out, I really hope this can take the shame out of young men asking for help and spiralling. Wishing you all the best for a long and successful career, thank you Sunderland for taking Aaron under your wing, hopefully he can help you in your promotion chase 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️

[@peterkiely11]

Fair play Aaron, great interview. Very honest and can see he has that ambition back again. Bags of potential and definitely more to give with this Irish team in the future 💪 🇮🇪

[@joewilliams9535]

Welcome to Sunderland Aaron stick in and keep on the right track. The Fans will Love you !

[@robbarber1792]

Took a lot of guts to do this interview, Sunderland is a tough club to play for, but if you get it right, you'll love it here.

[@peeslev]

At 24, still such a young person, plenty of time to achieve your career and life goals. Thank you for speaking up.

[@Mackem89]

Coming from a mackem, the city is gripped with drink, the honesty will go far, bag goals to win games the fans will back you. Takes balls to talk, takes bigger balls to do that publicly. Everyone has a past but as a baller pitch events speak more. You have a fanbase who will love you, support you. Best wishes New chapter onky you can write! Haway the lads!!

[@tykrise]

One of my favourite memories as a BHA fan is that Spurs game. He was a machine. Was always so sad to see the lifestyle take ahold of his football, but after an interview like this I think AC’s influence on the football world will be much more important than goals. Addiction is so difficult, huge respect to him for being so brave and sharing his story, all in the name of helping others. Huge W. Now get back to that left half space where you belong 🫡🔥

[@stephen-fu2ls]

Well done to Sunderland for publishing this and most of all to Aaron for being so honest. I hope you get back into the premiership with Sunderland and show the world your talent. Best wishes

[@alan259]

Great interview and wish you every succes on this new start to the rest of your life

[@mad4tar77]

Good on you Aaron. All of Ireland is behind you. Without doubt, your best football times are ahead of you. Speaking out and admitting mistakes takes huge strength and character. I wish you the very best in your personal and football live.

[@andygrendale1910]

Great interview on both sides of the microphone. Incredibly brave candour on display from this inspirational young man. Hope for your sake and for that of my beloved club that this is the start of a fantastic chapter in your life story. If you put in a shift at this club the fans will adore you as they have other legends ( Quinn, Phillips, Ball, Bennett, O Nien etc) 🤞🤞

[@csemens]

Good luck Aaron! Onwards and upwards! Work hard and the Sunderland fans will see you right. Make yourself a hero! Ha’way the lads!

[@iankirton6044]

Brave Young Man! I wish him all the best and as a Sunderland supporter I want him to do well for us, but bigger than that I hope he gets his life back and turns it around.

[@tonyhuntington]

Brave lad coming out like that well done keep working on your difficulties

[@rebelmusic2]

Well done lad. Looking forward to seeing you in an irish jersey again

[@bucks1985]

🇮🇪 would love to see Connolly back in the green shirt

[@kennethbrown2429]

I know what you're going through mate, been there and it's not easy, just take it day to day, there's a grand set of lads, and a great crowd rooting for ya and you'll get through this, Best of Luck Mate,,,,,,,,,

[@seaniek9175]

Quality footballer Aaron. Please God he's found the club that will get the best out of his talent. He's from a great county in Galway and now he's with one of the great English football clubs.

[@GaryM67-71]

Genetically an alcoholic. (former great club)

[@grlfcgombeenhunter2897]

Was he bore in Ireland 🇮🇪 sounds mad accent.

[@kevingray3550]

There has been some great Irish players at the heart of our Sunderland team. We lost one of our greatest the legendary Charlie Hurley at the grand age of 87 only in April of this year. Charlie would be thrilled to bits to see another Irishman doing just as he did scoring goals and winning games in front of what he called his "Sunderland family". Aaron might just be the Lad to fulfill that role and there's nothing to stop him because as far as we are concerned he starts with an absolutely clean sheet.

[@SleepyBoardGames-jk9up]

Good on you Aaron really think your stay here on wearside is going to be a successful stay

[@zq1800]

Hes still young, he can get over this and turn his life around again..hes an exceptionally talented player and now without his addiction i believe he'll thrive even more.

[@bucks1985]

Fair play Aaron . Back on the pitch now and back into Ireland squad . Whole life ahead of you . From a Leeds and Irish fan 🇮🇪

[@user-hv6bp9wd2s]

Well done mate. Onwards and upwards.

[@eeeeewewew]

Powerful. Hope he sticks at it and has a happy career and life

[@David1993UK]

This lad knows he's got bags of potential and we know it too. He's still young, get behind him and he'll take us to the Premier League 🔴⚪️

[@imnothere220]

He really could. This lad could get 30 in a season if he just gets it together

[@scottsaul]

The determination of someone who has a point to prove should not be underestimated. Good luck and be an inspiration.

[@ramsden35]

Well done young man! Addiction is the hardest battle anyone can face, but in your position it’s probably the hardest thing to admit! Good luck.

[@DaireMagic]

You can do it, Aaron. You've learned this lesson very early in life. We're all rooting for you. Try to stay focused on what brings you joy.

[@ronanrooney8558]

What a wonderfully honest and authentic opening up about a subject that so many deny and suffer in silence about. By Aarons brave sharing so many who are suffering in the dark will benefit. It will give courage to so many to address this life debilitating disease. Well done Aaron you will never know how many you have helped by your opening up. Wishing you well and continued recovery

[@tommythelizard]

Didn’t really know much about you , but as a person with my own demons I wish you luck ,keep working at it !

[@kennethbrown4480]

Hats off to him, he's realised that he's made mistakes and has opened up to them something that is not easy to do. All he can do now is get his zest for the game back and he's come to the biggest and best club in the world in order for him to achieve that. Onwards and upwards and he's to watching you score goals and help the lads get us back to where we belong the Premier League. All the best

[@willemdadrip878]

Honestly so happy to see people like Aaron speaking about this drinking in the UK is glorified and people don’t really take the time to look through the drink and actually think about what that person is going through please if you are out with your pals in the pub and they are not ok please just listen to them don’t feel like your a coward for talking about it so much respect from Aaron connelly for talking about his mental health and wish him nothing but the best for his career ❤❤

[@elpanchito421]

Hull City fan here. You could see Aaron was starting to turn his career around with us - scoring goals and becoming a fan favourite - until he suffered a nasty injury against Norwich and seemingly fell back into old habits. Massive respect to him for being so open about his off-field issues. Hope he has a long, successful career.

[@adammowbray4583]

Absolutely brilliant interview. You can tell the pain he's faced and dealt with. He may not feel like it, but he should be proud he has faced up to his demons and he's meeting them head on. One thing is for certain, when he comes on the pitch for his first minutes in our shirt, he will receive the warmest, loudest reception he will ever experience. If you do see this comment Aaron, go well and play your heart out for this club and you will not be alone in your fight against addiction. KTF

[@bombcat9289]

He’s remarkably mature due to his experiences for a 24 year old. I know you may not read this but keep moving forward Aaron, you’ll be proud of yourself in the future, good luck my friend.

[@dennisprice3339]

Good luck lad you deserve a break and Sunderland fans will always back you're honesty.

[@imonmyway317]

We're all human n we all make mistakes..what an inspiration that hes taking accountability and speaking out...Good luck to him

[@oruche3]

This honesty is lovely you will regain and overtake where you were before ❤❤

[@lukemiller_6]

So brave and honest, I wish him all the best in the future 😊

[@NathanielWhittoUpdates]

Good luck in the future Connolly 🐯🐯🐯

[@Philtoddtoptier]

UNBELIEVABLE. You sir, are a credit ♥️

[@sunboycold9164]

Keep working hard Aaron lad

[@davidedwards8235]

Really brave to come out and do this video .wish him all the best with us at Sunderland.continue to make youre family proud mate, and im sure all of Sunderland will get behind you...

[@simonpetermoss6713]

What a powerful interview. I truly hope he continues to be supported out of his addiction (he will need it) and gets a chance here in the 1st team, then goes on to score double figures for us this season. Good luck Aaron

[@Football_Chats_Unfiltered]

Well done for your honesty Aaron , onward and upward from here , you are still young , it ain’t over til it’s over

[@tonycowan8618]

Stay strong Aaron we're right behind you keep going Haway the Lads

[@stephenbyers1543]

How good is this club to facilitate an environment where we are enabling young fellas to develop. 24 yr old seriously if I did not have good mentors I would have failed miserably. Honestly. I have watched this beautiful club since 1970 and this is the best foundation, best football, and sincere ambitions that I have ever seen. We are a fickle lot but lets get behind this lot - they do have serious intentions and ambitions.

[@Allgo61]

Fabulous intimate and frank interview Aaron, now prove it on the pirch and become a LEGEND

[@shortallliam3142]

Aaron, I respect you for being so open about something SO personal, I wish you the best and I hope to see you in the green shirt again...Rootin' for you, Mate...👍

[@yorkshirelass1961]

Good luck son and welcome to Sunderland AFC look forward to seeing you play 😊xxx

[@onlyfoolsandsafc]

Fair play to Aaron for doing such an open and honest interview. Focused on getting back on track and being a success, and at 24 he can still be a top player, why not it being in a Sunderland shirt in the Premier League! All the best Aaron. 🔴⚪️

[@AshGlover-sx7tq]

Leeds fan here , what a honest brilliant interview , wish him all the best , hope you come second and come up with us for him and his family 👏👏

[@declanmchugh1]

Best of luck Aaron. Hope to see you back to your best for club and country. Day at a time🙏🇮🇪

[@ChrisBinks-zl5ox]

Come on lad let’s get you fit and banging in the goals we all behind you

[@LewisC-t1f]

Be strong brother. Most of us suffer or have suffered from addictions. 🙏

[@CMcGuffey]

I am glad he saw the signs and made the change. He could see his future and it was not what he wanted. He made the changed to get where he wanted to be. The road can be difficult and easy to stumble off of. Aaron, take care and never be afraid to ask for help. All of Sunderland’s fandom wants you to be a success.

[@kellyyyyy1993]

admitting it is a massive step for someone addicted to alcohol, anyone who’s had to deal with a parent with a addiction knows how much it takes it’s toll on others around you, getting the help he needs is massive i hope he comes out stronger and back to his normal self ❤

[@Jackson87safc]

💪🏼 well done lad, now smash it on the pitch 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

[@jpsh75]

Incredible story Aaron. Brilliantly told. Welcome to Sunderland and grasp your chance.

[@DeanCunningham-q1z]

Fair play young man. Honesty is always the best way with addiction. You need to let your ginger hair shine also and not hide it. Keep your head up and take it one day at a time.

[@AnneBirkbeck]

Just want to say well done for being so brave and speaking out about your problems. Sending you a big hug

[@sjb7956]

Fair play to you son and you come across with a lot more peace and contentment with yourself. That is so very important. Wish you nothing but the best with your career, but more importantly your life.

[@iansmith824]

Respect! Hope your time at SAFC is long, happy and successful!