Former Manchester City and Everton striker Jo has opened up about some very personal demons he has dealt with during his career in an eye-opening interview, having experienced the harsh reality of drinking problems.
Speaking to Brazilian paperGlobo, he said: "I put the drink first, because it takes you to other situations. For example, I could get a drink here at home, or two, or three, with my wife and friends.
"Then, if I did not play, I began to drink at home. And then I'd go out.[Alcohol] makes you do things you did not want to do.
"After a while you find yourself in a place you do not want to be. I began to drink, drink, drink and I wanted to drink until morning. I went out in the morning and wanted to go to another bar.
"Then later, when I stopped, thought, what am I doing? Where am I? My wife is at home¦
I told her I wouldn't do it anymore, but after a while, two days, I did it again. The parties were not the priority. I liked to drink at home, but it took me to do other things. The drink was the crucial point.
"Today I sleep all night. I'm already two years without a drink. I'm 100% improved."
Before the likes of Sergio Aguero and KevinDe Bruyne were lighting up the Premier League, Jo was signed as the newly owned sides star signing from CSKAMoscowin 2008.
He only scored once in 21 matches, before moving to Everton on loan for two seasons. The 29-year-old can now be seenplaying for Jiangsu Suningin the Chinese Super League.
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