‘I would have damaged the team' - Adriano explains why he needed to leave Inter after father's death as ex-Brazil star opens up on battle with depression

The former Brazilian national team player and Inter superstar had to leave the club after his father’s death, or else he would have caused damage to the squad. The 43-year-old also discussed how he fought with depression after that period.

Adriano joined Inter in 2001 and in the next few years became a fan favourite, scoring 74 goals in 177 matches. He was also a part of the Brazil national team, which reached the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. However, after his father passed away, he decided to return to Brazil as he was not in the mental condition to play for Inter, and his presence could have caused harm to the Nerazzuri.

The 43-year-old said: “After my father's death I no longer had the head to be able to play for Inter. It's an event that hurt me so much, I chose to return to Brazil because I no longer had my head and, thus, I would have damaged the team and my teammates. My father always did everything for my family and he was gone, I stayed and, as a man, I had to help my family because they needed me.”

Speaking on how he battled depression, he stated: “People don't understand what depression is, I looked the same and everyone, but that wasn't the case. Everyone has their own way of handling this thing, I had mine. I did what I felt in my heart and head. I don't care what people think, my friends and family were with me in this choice. I am very close to Javier Zanetti and Ivan Cordoba, at Inter they welcomed me like a brother, or like a son. Marco Materazzi did the same thing, he was always with me. They are people who gave me everything to try not to leave Inter. Even today when I hear them I am very pleased.”

Adriano debuted for the Selecao in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia in November 2000. He went on to feature in 48 games for the national team, scoring 27 goals in the process.