Kenny Sansom hopes to end alcohol problems

Former England and Arsenal defender Kenny Sansom has said that he is hoping photos of him drunk and asleep in a park will be the "wake-up call" to help him kick his alcohol addiction.

The 56-year-old has admitted that his struggles have made him feel suicidal and left him homeless, but that he is seeking treatment after former Arsenal teammate Tony Adams reached out to him.

The retired defender told The Mirror: "I do need help, I know I do. I'm happy for these pictures to be used because as horrible as it is, it shows me as I am at the moment. I look at those pictures and I just think, 'Kenny, what are you doing?' I hate it.

"At the moment, if I could have two tablets I would take them to die. I don't want to live. What have I got to live for? I'm gonna give it my best go to finally beat this now. Look at the state of me, I've got a big problem with my alcohol and my gambling. I hope this wake-up call will save my life.

"I don't know what to do. I've got nothing, I just go to sleep on the street. I've got nowhere to live. I don't own a car, I don't have a house, I've got no money, I've got no partner. All my money has gone on drink and to the betting shop. I ain't even got a phone at the minute. Right now I feel like I'll never stop drinking. I can't envisage that."

Sansom is due to check into a clinic this week, and will also receive treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which was founded by Adams.