Ex-Real Madrid defender Cicinho reveals alcoholism

Former Real Madrid defender Cicinho has revealed that he is suffering from alcoholism.

The 36-year-old, who represented Real Madrid between 2006 and 2007, recently spent three years with Turkish side Sivasspor before hanging up his boots earlier this year.

"I'm a guy who can't drink one or two glasses, I have to drink until I fall over. [On what he did most during his playing career], drinking. I've been warned that if I go on with this life, I'll die," he told ESPN. "I had an encounter with Jesus after drinking 18 caipirinhas and 14 long neck [beers].

The 15-time Brazilian international also represented Roma and Villarreal during a professional career that started with Botafogo in 1999.