Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy opens up on cocaine addiction and how he experienced a ‘year of pain’

Murphy revealed he turned to cocaine and cannabis after retiring as a player in 2013. The former Liverpool and England midfielder, who is now a respected pundit, said he experienced a "year of hell" before seeking both individual and group therapy.

Murphy, who also played for Tottenham and Fulham among other sides, said he never had an issue with alcohol but that his cocaine addiction led to him thinking he could not do things without it. The 47-year-old also detailed how his drug use spiralled from once or twice a week to three times and more.

Speaking on the Ben Heath podcast, Murphy said: "For a while, I was [addicted to cocaine], because I got to the point where I didn't feel like I could do things without it, which was nonsense, of course I could. I did a bit of both (therapy and group sessions to get help). I had done therapy previously before I had any problems actually when I first stopped playing because I thought it would be beneficial but I didn't stick it out, which I maybe should have done.

"There are guys that I have met who have had a lifetime of trauma because of certain addictions and stuff. I probably had a year of being in a world of pain and they kind of look at me and go, 'You know what you should be really grateful you have only had a year'. And I'm like, 'I'll listen to that I'll take the good.'"

Murphy, who made nine appearances for England, was known for his big goals at Liverpool. Over the course of four seasons from 2000-01 to 2003-04, he scored three winners in 1-0 victories for Liverpool against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The first got him recognised from some unlikely fans.