Arsenal legend Tony Adams opens up on his battle with alcohol: "When England were knocked out of Euro 96 I went on a 44-day booze bender and hit rock bottom... since then I've been sober and I'm proud that I've not p*ssed the bed for 30 years"

"Adams went on a 44-day bender after Euro 96 that still shapes his life today. He had drunk for 12 years, and only in the final six months did he want to stop."

"I knew from the April when I went and saw James (West) my therapist that the game was up. Drinking and everything was up. I'd actually crossed the line and I knew it wasn't safe for me."

"If he had scored, we are into the final. I didn't know I was going to play anyway. I had an injection, my ninth injection into my knee in the injury time of the semi-final."

Tony Adams experienced a severe alcohol addiction during his football career, culminating in a 44-day bender following England's loss in Euro 96. Despite not drinking during the tournament, the emotional aftermath of Gareth Southgate's missed penalty triggered a downward spiral. Adams hit rock bottom and sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous, ultimately achieving sobriety. His new book, '1996', chronicles this tumultuous period, detailing his struggles and the pivotal moment when he decided to stop drinking for good.

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