Fredy Guarín, former Colombian midfielder, admitted in an exciting interview about some personal experiences over the years that he saw as a main character in world football. After playing in famous clubs like Boca Juniors and the Portohis most important chapter happened precisely with his shirtBetweenwhere he arrived in January 2012. In four years in Milan, Guarín played 141 games and marked 22 tears. However, his life off the field was marked by periods of great difficulty, which he recently described in an interview The Informants Off Caracol Television.
Guarin and the fight against alcoholism
Guarín revealed that his problems with alcohol began during his time in Italy:
“I got drunk two days before the games, but everything worked on the pitch. I drank everywhere: at home, in restaurants, in night clubs. I was looking for company, champagne and hanging out with the best models. But I had a family and that’s where everything got complicated. I knew I was wrong.”
The move to China: a spiral of self-destruction
The situation worsened after moving to China:
“I was completely immersed in alcohol. I would train and drink straight after. My life in football and my family no longer had goals.”
The addiction became even more severe, leading to a complete loss of control.
Life in Brazil and decline during the pandemic
During his experience in Brazil, Guarín says he hit rock bottom:
“I came to drink 60-70 beers in one night. With the pandemic, without training and without a group, I attended the favelas and I looked for danger when I was drunk. It was adrenaline: seeing weapons, dangerous movements, everything seemed normal to me.”
The thought of death and turning
In a serious crisis, Guarín admitted that he thought about suicide:
“I would wake up with a beer next to me, I was living on the 17th floor and I was thinking about jumping. A net on the balcony saved me. I was obsessed with death and I felt I had no way out.”
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What challenges did Fredy Guarín face during his football career related to mental health and alcohol?
Time.news Interview: Overcoming Shadows – An Interview with Fredy Guarín
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the stories that shape our world. Today, we have a special guest, Fredy Guarín, former Colombian midfielder and a prominent figure in world football. Recently, he opened up about his struggles and triumphs in an enlightening interview. Fredy, thank you for joining us.
Fredy Guarín (G): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and share my story.
E: Your journey in football is not just remarkable for your skills on the pitch, but also for the challenges you’ve faced off it. Can you take us back to your time in Italy and the beginning of your struggles with alcohol?
G: Of course. Playing in Italy was a dream come true—clubs like Inter Milan and Porto were some of the highlights of my career. But behind the glamour, I faced serious challenges. I started drinking heavily, often two days before games. Despite that, I managed to perform on the field, which only masked the underlying issues I was facing.
E: It’s striking how you could compartmentalize those struggles and still excel as an athlete. Why do you think that was?
G: I think sports can sometimes provide a false sense of security. As athletes, we work hard to train our bodies, but the mental and emotional aspects can be neglected. I was performing well, so it felt like I could keep it all together. But in reality, I was just pushing my problems deeper, not resolving them.
E: That’s a powerful insight. Your decision to come forward and speak about your alcohol struggles is incredibly brave. What motivated you to share your experiences now?
G: After retiring, I had time to reflect on my life and the importance of mental health. I realized that many athletes go through similar struggles but often feel isolated. Sharing my story can help others understand that it’s okay to seek help and that we’re not alone in our battles.
E: There’s definitely a stigma around mental health in sports culture. How do you think we can begin to change that narrative?
G: We need more open conversations about mental health—like we’re having now. Clubs, associations, and players should work together to create environments where discussing these issues is normalized. Just as we train our bodies, we should prioritize training our minds.
E: That’s a crucial point. Do you feel supported in your journey to recovery? What resources have you found helpful?
G: Yes, I’ve found support from family and close friends, which has been invaluable. Therapy has also played a significant role. It’s important to have professionals who can help guide you through recovery. I’ve also connected with organizations that focus on athlete mental health, which is comforting.
E: Moving forward, what are your hopes for the future—both personally and within the football community?
G: Personally, I want to continue advocating for mental health awareness and support others who are struggling. Within the football community, I hope we can create a culture of openness where players feel safe to discuss their challenges without fear of judgment.
E: Thank you for your honesty and courage, Fredy. Your story highlights the importance of mental health, not just for athletes but for everyone. It’s a reminder that strength comes in many forms.
G: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey, and I hope it inspires others to seek help and support when they need it.
E: Absolutely. Thank you for joining us today, Fredy, and for opening up about such essential topics. We look forward to seeing how your advocacy unfolds in the future.
G: Thank you, and I appreciate your support!