Footballer Dean Sturridge opens up about gambling addiction

“When I couldn’t play football due to injuries, I was sitting on my director. I’d be bored, I have time – and I have the money. It was the bets escalated and I was completely out of control.”

Born in Birmingham, Dean Sturridge played in the Premier League, especially Derby County, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, casting spells for Sheffield United and Kidderminster Harriers.

But behind the scenes, he suffered from a serious gambling addiction.

After five and a half years of recovery, Sturridge uses his experience to help others stick to what is called the addictive “desert island.”

Sturridge is the latest ambassador for Gamble Support Charity Meowdy, bringing the Gamblers Anonymous Concept from the US to the UK in 1971.

“I know I’m addicted, lonely, isolated, feeling guilty, shamed, embarrassed, embarrassed,” Sturridge said.

Sturridge’s gambling problems began when he was young, but worsened when he faced the fame and fortune of becoming a professional footballer. He remains a record scorer for Derby County in the Premier League.

“My initial signature fee was a big number,” he explained. “I was supposed to get off to buy my first car, the Ford Fiesta Fireflies.

“I lost my signature fee within hours of getting into my account and couldn’t pay.”

Sturridge ends up borrowing money from his teammates to pay for the car.

“I’m going to the bank from Booky… I’ll write a post and enter the branch, then I’ll withdraw the money.

“By the end of the day, you will be able to see Nir in your account.

Sturridge admits that his salary allowed him to fund his addiction, but he felt an impact in other areas.

“When I’m with my kids [and my wife]when I sometimes call and place bets,” he recalls. “I wasn’t in the conversation.

“And that’s the most unfortunate thing for me, whom I regret, but I’m happy that I’m recovering now, I’m a better person.

“And now I have a great opportunity with my grandson.

When Sturridge’s wife came home early one day and saw her race and betting, the situation came to mind. Within 24 hours he attended an anonymous meeting of the gambler.

“When I walked through those doors, it was a catalyst for me to understand myself.

“As a gambler, I think you’ll stop [your emotions];You compartmentalize and I also did it as a sportsman.

“I was always trying to force my feelings to the side and hide them.”

Currently, football agent Sturridge believes the younger players are ready to deal with the trap of fame, but emphasizes that they still need support.

“That’s important… for people like me, for people from organizations like Gordon Moody, just to go to schools and soccer clubs and help them on their journey.”