Call for help from ex-footballer

“Sooner or later I’ll drink myself to death!”

Martin Fenin played for Eintracht Frankfurt from 2008 to 2011.(Bild: GEPA)

"Sooner or later I'll drink myself to death!" These are frightening words from former professional footballer Martin Fenin, which sound like a cry for help. After his career, he suffered many setbacks. His alcohol addiction is a particular problem for him.

The 37-year-old Czech played for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga from 2008 to 2011, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists in 96 games. He then spent 16 months in the 2nd Bundesliga with Energie Cottbus. After further spells in the Czech Republic, he ended his career in 2017.

Alcohol dominates Fenin's private life. He spent three months in a rehab clinic. "That's when I showed that I can quit - I'm a sportsman after all," Fenin says in an interview with the Bild newspaper.

Unfortunately without lasting success. "Yes, I'm drinking again. Every day. Ever since I got out of hospital, consistently," Fenin adds.

YouTube and Jägermeister
His wife left him after the many crashes and took their three-year-old daughter Mia with her; he no longer has any contact. This is probably also one of the reasons for the relapse. "I watch YouTube all day and drink Jägermeister to combat the sadness. I love my daughter so much ..." Fenin doesn't have a job at the moment, he lives off the money invested in his professional career and spends 3,500 euros a month.

Martin Fenin took part in EURO 2008 in Austria with the Czech national team.(Bild: AFP)

Fenin knows his difficult situation: "Sooner or later, I'll drink myself to death." Back in 2018, he was in a coma for several weeks due to his broken pancreas.

We can only hope that Fenin can make better use of the next opportunities that come his way and lead a normal (sporting) life again.

If you or someone close to you is in an exceptional psychological situation or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the telephone helpline on 142. You can find other crisis hotlines and emergency numbers HERE.