"I had everything, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction" | My Story: Aaron Connolly

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  • Опубліковано 11 жов 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 228

  • @Adam-sd2ow
    @Adam-sd2ow День тому +171

    Fair play to the lad for his honesty, only he can turn his career around. Hopefully Sunderland helps him do that and we get the benefit of him giving his all to turn things around.

    • @chriscarter-jackson7121
      @chriscarter-jackson7121 День тому +7

      Good comments mate. Let us hope he comes good for us. He deserves the chance.

    • @KarenKerrison
      @KarenKerrison День тому +9

      Welcome to SAFC Aaron, that’s brave mate to tell your story with such honesty. Honesty and working hard, as a supporter that’s all we ask for, to wear that shirt with pride and do your best, there’s a lot of love here in the North East for you lad. Love to you and all of Yours ❤

  • @rogermisun-gray6383
    @rogermisun-gray6383 День тому +134

    As a Brighton fan, it was hard to watch someone so obviously piss their talent and career away, but it’s impressive and laudable for Aaron to now face up to that, be honest with himself, and genuinely try to reset and start again. This interview took a lot of courage, respect to him for doing it and best wishes for a fresh future.

    • @kevinbury3617
      @kevinbury3617 День тому +7

      agree irish fan , everyone knew but hopefully he is dealing with his demons

    • @alfiegrove7233
      @alfiegrove7233 День тому +2

      Yeah we all knew he has issues when he was at the Albion, but didn’t know they was to this extent

    • @ColinH1973
      @ColinH1973 День тому +1

      Well said, and good luck this season.

    • @JonathanHarrison-u2u
      @JonathanHarrison-u2u 19 годин тому

      Fair play Aaron, it’s very easy for people to criticise, but there isn’t a single person who hasn’t made mistakes. Please don’t beat yourself up, you speaking up will not only help you, but there’s a good chance that you will have helped many other people along the way. I’m a Norwich fan, but I wish you nothing but the best for your career. Good luck.

  • @LukeiousONieniousMaximous
    @LukeiousONieniousMaximous День тому +107

    Takes a lot of gut to do an interview like this on such a sensitive topic to him, well done lad 👏 everyone can revive their career! Especially here.

  • @MrHarvey1968
    @MrHarvey1968 День тому +82

    Best of luck Aaron from a Brighton fan. Obviously got talent but even the most gifted still have to work hard. Sunderland should be good for you.

  • @ethantodd4191
    @ethantodd4191 День тому +58

    Very brave to speak out - SAFC are behind you, Aaron.

  • @itsTodd
    @itsTodd День тому +68

    Let’s get right behind this lad, the first step of recovery is admission. Think he has all the attributes to be good for us. Haway the lads!

    • @Whereswolly-hl5kk
      @Whereswolly-hl5kk День тому +5

      He has talent to burn. It was blatantly obvious there was something up that was stopping his progression. Still young enough to turn it around and this interview and moving to Sunderland could be the start of it

    • @GaryM67-71
      @GaryM67-71 День тому +1

      Heavy drinking is rife in Sunderland, as it is elsewhere in the country. Endemic. People are lost, they don't know God, so they have no self-control. Sad times.

  • @elpanchito421
    @elpanchito421 Годину тому +1

    Hull City fan here. You could see Aaron was starting to turn his career around with us - scoring goals and becoming a fan favourite - until he suffered a nasty injury against Norwich and seemingly fell back into old habits. Massive respect to him for being so open about his off-field issues. Hope he has a long, successful career.

  • @sanddancersafc
    @sanddancersafc День тому +40

    Brave lad speaking out like this, so openly. Best wishes to him.

  • @politikking3340
    @politikking3340 День тому +29

    When Sunderland signed him, pundits on BBC radio Newcastle said he had a bit of a reputation but didn't know why. It takes real courage to come out and tell your story and Sunderland fans and club will be beside you every step of your journey. May God bless you and give you strength.
    Menace to sobriety is a good podcast to listen to.

  • @EverGreen1888
    @EverGreen1888 День тому +17

    Aaron went to the same school as me in Galway. He's a brilliant lad.
    We're all behind you Aaron! Best of luck with Sunderland

  • @daviddonnelly7182
    @daviddonnelly7182 День тому +29

    Be kind to yourself Aaron , everyone can make mistakes and everyone has the right to change. Good luck at Sunderland you are welcome here.

  • @TheBozzman
    @TheBozzman День тому +45

    Get behind this lad, takes a lot of courage to admit these things.

    • @GaryM67-71
      @GaryM67-71 День тому

      Not really, he's just talking about his life, not difficult to do at all.

    • @Golkfyerick
      @Golkfyerick 23 години тому +2

      ​@@GaryM67-71 He's a current professional footballer that's talking openly about his experience with addiction. Deserves credit for speaking up I feel. It's a human problem.
      We can all be a bit of a nob end sometimes, just try not to be a complete nob end.

    • @GaryM67-71
      @GaryM67-71 23 години тому

      @@Golkfyerick I give him credit for speaking about it, but it's not brave at all.

    • @GaryM67-71
      @GaryM67-71 23 години тому

      @@Golkfyerick Knob, not nob btw.

    • @stuartarthur9844
      @stuartarthur9844 17 годин тому

      ​@@GaryM67-71have you watched the interview. Especially at 12 minutes it's very brave. To admit you have everything, but all you really want to do is drink.

  • @coffeegoblin
    @coffeegoblin День тому +35

    I desperately hope this lad does well. Score goals and he will be loved.

  • @owen9045
    @owen9045 День тому +34

    You’re not alone with this mate, I’m going through the same thing your an inspiration and if u keep going with us all behind you your gonna shine I promise. Takes guts to do this mate

    • @antonimaxwell-iw4jx
      @antonimaxwell-iw4jx 14 годин тому +1

      And godbless yourself and continue to fight brother. It’s tough battle. Much love 🙏

  • @1968j
    @1968j 17 годин тому +4

    Stay grounded Aaron. Sunderland will be your turning point. All of us in Ireland wish you well , you got this 🇮🇪

  • @robbarber1792
    @robbarber1792 День тому +26

    Took a lot of guts to do this interview, Sunderland is a tough club to play for, but if you get it right, you'll love it here.

  • @GaryHoyle-p6i
    @GaryHoyle-p6i День тому +18

    He's had the guts to admit he's took the wrong path but that's in the past We need to get right behind him & give him the love & support to make him wanted again

  • @ddguitars1969
    @ddguitars1969 День тому +8

    Every time you feel down Aaron, just remember the Sunderland fans…. They all want you to do well and will support you all the way. Keep your chin up, and throw yourself into the games….you won’t go far wrong..

  • @kennethbrown4480
    @kennethbrown4480 День тому +17

    Hats off to him, he's realised that he's made mistakes and has opened up to them something that is not easy to do. All he can do now is get his zest for the game back and he's come to the biggest and best club in the world in order for him to achieve that. Onwards and upwards and he's to watching you score goals and help the lads get us back to where we belong the Premier League. All the best

  • @AmyMcGovern-gg5xs
    @AmyMcGovern-gg5xs День тому +8

    Such bravery to speak out, we're rooting for you Aaron 🇮🇪🩷

  • @graham8989898
    @graham8989898 День тому +22

    Fair play to him, got to respect anyone coming out and speaking this honestly

  • @MattLucas-p7k
    @MattLucas-p7k День тому +11

    Potentially one of the best videos released by the club. Hats off to the lad for putting this out there. Take away the football, health is the most important thing. Bringing the football back in, we could have a class striker on our hands here!!!! Looking forward to seeing him play!!

  • @OhioHoon
    @OhioHoon День тому +14

    God go with you Aaron Connolly

  • @AD-dw5up
    @AD-dw5up День тому +10

    I don't get emotional very often, but from the depths of his turmoil I truly believe Aaron Connolly will defeat his demons. I know there's very good player in there; I also know the Sunderland fans will get behind him.

  • @malcolmdonnison3987
    @malcolmdonnison3987 День тому +12

    Wen I met him at the academy , I warmed to him straight away . He's a nice lad and speaks from his heart . We will support you all the way at safc . 👍😁

  • @PowerJugs
    @PowerJugs День тому +17

    Can only but respect someone who is willing to try and tackle something like this and share it.

  • @David1993UK
    @David1993UK День тому +12

    This lad knows he's got bags of potential and we know it too. He's still young, get behind him and he'll take us to the Premier League 🔴⚪️

    • @imnothere220
      @imnothere220 День тому +1

      He really could. This lad could get 30 in a season if he just gets it together

  • @ZiggyMarlon-gf6qv
    @ZiggyMarlon-gf6qv День тому +20

    Well done, lad. Welcome to Sunderland! 👏💪

  • @davidjones532
    @davidjones532 День тому +15

    Not every alcoholic drinks 24/7 some just binge now and then and don’t think they have a problem it’s realising it admitting it then getting sorted out well done son your at the right club fire those goals in you will be adored by 40000 👏👏👏

    • @mikelitorous5570
      @mikelitorous5570 День тому +1

      I’ve been in a similar situation having poor mental health and using drink as a way of coping but instead just putting the burden onto others, making my family worry when I’m out, embarrassing myself and friends in front of their friends, pissing people off and not realising and giving myself a poor reputation which pissed me off when I was sober. Where now that I have my mental health under control I can go out and enjoy a drink as well as enjoying the company of the people around me and enjoy myself without going too far.

  • @RobertUnwin-s9y
    @RobertUnwin-s9y День тому +7

    Can't think of a more courageous interview done by a current player. Absolutely brutal in his honesty. Right behind you Aaron and wishing you every success!

  • @paulfoot1042
    @paulfoot1042 День тому +7

    Welcome to Sunderland. Good luck we are behind you all the way!

  • @Mackem89
    @Mackem89 День тому +6

    Coming from a mackem, the city is gripped with drink, the honesty will go far, bag goals to win games the fans will back you. Takes balls to talk, takes bigger balls to do that publicly. Everyone has a past but as a baller pitch events speak more. You have a fanbase who will love you, support you.
    Best wishes
    New chapter onky you can write!
    Haway the lads!!

  • @imnothere220
    @imnothere220 День тому +13

    Well done, man. This takes guts. Always rooting for you in Dublin here.

  • @abbottsadventures
    @abbottsadventures День тому +8

    That was incredibly moving. I wish him well and hope, above everything else, he can rid himself of the demons.

  • @Jake-hv2oh
    @Jake-hv2oh День тому +12

    Massive respect. Welcome to Sunderland

  • @gillianangus1175
    @gillianangus1175 День тому +8

    Very emotive interview. What a lovely lad. His parents must be so, so proud of him ❤

  • @topcatom
    @topcatom День тому +12

    Takes alot coming out like this, well done

  • @seaniek9175
    @seaniek9175 День тому +11

    Quality footballer Aaron. Please God he's found the club that will get the best out of his talent. He's from a great county in Galway and now he's with one of the great English football clubs.

    • @GaryM67-71
      @GaryM67-71 День тому

      Genetically an alcoholic. (former great club)

    • @grlfcgombeenhunter2897
      @grlfcgombeenhunter2897 13 годин тому +1

      Was he bore in Ireland 🇮🇪 sounds mad accent.

  • @sarahpoyntz9215
    @sarahpoyntz9215 День тому +6

    As a Brighton fan, I wish you every success Aaron.
    Thank you for speaking out, I really hope this can take the shame out of young men asking for help and spiralling. Wishing you all the best for a long and successful career, thank you Sunderland for taking Aaron under your wing, hopefully he can help you in your promotion chase 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️

  • @tykrise
    @tykrise День тому +5

    One of my favourite memories as a BHA fan is that Spurs game. He was a machine. Was always so sad to see the lifestyle take ahold of his football, but after an interview like this I think AC’s influence on the football world will be much more important than goals. Addiction is so difficult, huge respect to him for being so brave and sharing his story, all in the name of helping others. Huge W. Now get back to that left half space where you belong 🫡🔥

  • @ryanlaffey5578
    @ryanlaffey5578 День тому +7

    Let's go Connolly 🔴⚪🔴⚪. Put the shirt on and give Sunderland 110% and the fans will love you win lose or draw. Now is the time.

  • @andygrendale1910
    @andygrendale1910 День тому +5

    Great interview on both sides of the microphone. Incredibly brave candour on display from this inspirational young man. Hope for your sake and for that of my beloved club that this is the start of a fantastic chapter in your life story. If you put in a shift at this club the fans will adore you as they have other legends ( Quinn, Phillips, Ball, Bennett, O Nien etc) 🤞🤞

  • @kennethbrown2429
    @kennethbrown2429 День тому +7

    I know what you're going through mate, been there and it's not easy, just take it day to day, there's a grand set of lads, and a great crowd rooting for ya and you'll get through this, Best of Luck Mate,,,,,,,,,

  • @tommythelizard
    @tommythelizard День тому +3

    Didn’t really know much about you , but as a person with my own demons I wish you luck ,keep working at it !

  • @stephen-fu2ls
    @stephen-fu2ls День тому +4

    Well done to Sunderland for publishing this and most of all to Aaron for being so honest. I hope you get back into the premiership with Sunderland and show the world your talent. Best wishes

  • @peterkiely11
    @peterkiely11 День тому +4

    Fair play Aaron, great interview. Very honest and can see he has that ambition back again. Bags of potential and definitely more to give with this Irish team in the future 💪 🇮🇪

  • @into_lunch4556
    @into_lunch4556 День тому +4

    I wish him all the best, he deserves a break after everything he’s been thru.

  • @safcdean7374
    @safcdean7374 День тому +11

    Only another alcoholic can understand "the stories". Massive respect for speaking up. Hope your continuing with meetings ❤🤍❤️🤍

  • @colinfinn4640
    @colinfinn4640 День тому +6

    Fair play very hard to talk about stuff like this loads of respect

  • @alan259
    @alan259 День тому +8

    Great interview and wish you every succes on this new start to the rest of your life

  • @hooflungpoo700
    @hooflungpoo700 День тому +5

    Stay strong and stay the course Aaron you will be loved here if you show faith ha'way the lads!

  • @fergusburke2074
    @fergusburke2074 День тому +2

    Well done Aaron takes courage to speak so openly. Hope to see you back in the Ireland squad soon. Good luck with Sunderland seems like a brilliant club.

  • @willemdadrip878
    @willemdadrip878 День тому +2

    Honestly so happy to see people like Aaron speaking about this drinking in the UK is glorified and people don’t really take the time to look through the drink and actually think about what that person is going through please if you are out with your pals in the pub and they are not ok please just listen to them don’t feel like your a coward for talking about it so much respect from Aaron connelly for talking about his mental health and wish him nothing but the best for his career ❤❤

  • @csemens
    @csemens 18 годин тому +1

    Good luck Aaron! Onwards and upwards!
    Work hard and the Sunderland fans will see you right. Make yourself a hero!
    Ha’way the lads!

  • @iankirton6044
    @iankirton6044 День тому +2

    Brave Young Man! I wish him all the best and as a Sunderland supporter I want him to do well for us, but bigger than that I hope he gets his life back and turns it around.

  • @davidedwards8235
    @davidedwards8235 День тому +4

    Really brave to come out and do this video .wish him all the best with us at Sunderland.continue to make youre family proud mate, and im sure all of Sunderland will get behind you...

  • @rebelmusic2
    @rebelmusic2 День тому +4

    Well done lad. Looking forward to seeing you in an irish jersey again

  • @onlyfoolsandsafc
    @onlyfoolsandsafc День тому +2

    Fair play to Aaron for doing such an open and honest interview. Focused on getting back on track and being a success, and at 24 he can still be a top player, why not it being in a Sunderland shirt in the Premier League! All the best Aaron. 🔴⚪️

  • @peeslev
    @peeslev День тому +1

    At 24, still such a young person, plenty of time to achieve your career and life goals. Thank you for speaking up.

  • @10K_MMore
    @10K_MMore День тому +17

    I thought at a glance it was Patty Roberts in the thumbnail and for a second my world came crashing down around me.
    But in all seriousness, Aaron has my full support, keep fighting hard, You've done amazing work to even get to this point, just keep pushing, we all have nothing but love for you brother

  • @simonpetermoss6713
    @simonpetermoss6713 День тому +1

    What a powerful interview. I truly hope he continues to be supported out of his addiction (he will need it) and gets a chance here in the 1st team, then goes on to score double figures for us this season. Good luck Aaron

  • @CMcGuffey
    @CMcGuffey День тому +2

    I am glad he saw the signs and made the change. He could see his future and it was not what he wanted. He made the changed to get where he wanted to be. The road can be difficult and easy to stumble off of. Aaron, take care and never be afraid to ask for help. All of Sunderland’s fandom wants you to be a success.

  • @SleepyBoardGames-jk9up
    @SleepyBoardGames-jk9up День тому +7

    Good on you Aaron really think your stay here on wearside is going to be a successful stay

  • @ronanrooney8558
    @ronanrooney8558 День тому +2

    What a wonderfully honest and authentic opening up about a subject that so many deny and suffer in silence about. By Aarons brave sharing so many who are suffering in the dark will benefit. It will give courage to so many to address this life debilitating disease. Well done Aaron you will never know how many you have helped by your opening up. Wishing you well and continued recovery

  • @idontusetwitter
    @idontusetwitter День тому +5

    Fresh starts Aaron lad. New horizons and all that.

  • @adammowbray4583
    @adammowbray4583 День тому +1

    Absolutely brilliant interview. You can tell the pain he's faced and dealt with. He may not feel like it, but he should be proud he has faced up to his demons and he's meeting them head on. One thing is for certain, when he comes on the pitch for his first minutes in our shirt, he will receive the warmest, loudest reception he will ever experience. If you do see this comment Aaron, go well and play your heart out for this club and you will not be alone in your fight against addiction. KTF

  • @tonyhuntington
    @tonyhuntington День тому +3

    Brave lad coming out like that well done keep working on your difficulties

  • @Jim_M_75
    @Jim_M_75 День тому +2

    Good luck marra, you can get back on track and more if you stick in here. It's a class place to play football if you really want it. On to better times, I respect your honesty.

  • @Allgo61
    @Allgo61 День тому +2

    Fabulous intimate and frank interview Aaron, now prove it on the pirch and become a LEGEND

  • @german452
    @german452 6 годин тому

    You are still young enough to have a great career. If you can stay on track you could very well be a shining example for other footballers & young people outside of football. Best of luck Aaron.
    Ireland will benefit immensely from your rejuvenation. Rooting for you lad ✅

  • @yaboybilton7966
    @yaboybilton7966 День тому +4

    Got a really good feeling about him. Haway Aaron

  • @DeanCunningham-q1z
    @DeanCunningham-q1z День тому +1

    Fair play young man. Honesty is always the best way with addiction. You need to let your ginger hair shine also and not hide it. Keep your head up and take it one day at a time.

  • @klscards
    @klscards 6 годин тому

    admitting it is a massive step for someone addicted to alcohol, anyone who’s had to deal with a parent with a addiction knows how much it takes it’s toll on others around you, getting the help he needs is massive i hope he comes out stronger and back to his normal self ❤

  • @tonycowan8618
    @tonycowan8618 День тому +2

    Stay strong Aaron we're right behind you keep going Haway the Lads

  • @thesociologyshowpodcast
    @thesociologyshowpodcast Годину тому

    Well done for speaking up and speaking out Aaron, with love from a Brighton fan ❤

  • @gordondavis1224
    @gordondavis1224 День тому +2

    Fair play Aaron, that took some balls to come out and do that. Keep your head down work hard and you could be our next Super Kevin Phillips. Good Luck lad.

  • @sirskidalot4858
    @sirskidalot4858 День тому +2

    We seem to be a club that’s all about giving people a chance, it’s amazing to see

  • @Philtoddtoptier
    @Philtoddtoptier День тому +1

    UNBELIEVABLE. You sir, are a credit ♥️

  • @macrovigilance
    @macrovigilance 8 годин тому

    Good lad and well done Sunderland for this candid interview. Will help many in football and beyond.

  • @jenniferandrews2212
    @jenniferandrews2212 23 години тому

    Good luck Aaron you've got the best supporters in the world behind you ,welcome to Sunderland

  • @GG-zl3et
    @GG-zl3et День тому +1

    Very honest. Come on Aaron, great opportunity for you up here at Sunderland. Get stuck in, enjoy your football and the adoration from fans will be on another level.

  • @DCO-3447
    @DCO-3447 14 годин тому

    We are all behind you here at SAFC Aaron, work hard and we will always have your back!

  • @AnneBirkbeck
    @AnneBirkbeck 23 години тому

    Just want to say well done for being so brave and speaking out about your problems. Sending you a big hug

  • @mickyeverton
    @mickyeverton 15 годин тому

    His honesty needs to be admired, really wish him all the best!! ⚽⚽🙏🙏

  • @BL4CK0UT17
    @BL4CK0UT17 18 годин тому

    Well done for speaking out. I play football, I box and own businesses. I’m going through addiction myself. It’s a hard battle and a lot of people don’t understand it.

  • @johndublyoo2553
    @johndublyoo2553 День тому

    Keep working at it Aaron, stay strong and never forget you have an army of fans up here who are right alongside you. All the very best and welcome to Sunderland 🔴⚪👏👏

  • @iansmith824
    @iansmith824 День тому +1

    Respect! Hope your time at SAFC is long, happy and successful!

  • @sunboycold9164
    @sunboycold9164 День тому +3

    Keep working hard Aaron lad

  • @paulodingle2142
    @paulodingle2142 17 годин тому

    Well done for getting through it takes a big man to realise you need help. Give your all for our club and the fans will love you

  • @jpsh75
    @jpsh75 День тому

    Incredible story Aaron. Brilliantly told. Welcome to Sunderland and grasp your chance.

  • @christopherdouglas2393
    @christopherdouglas2393 День тому

    Well done son that's the hardest part talking about it ....give 100% and the sunderland fans will love you

  • @PBazBarrett
    @PBazBarrett 21 годину тому

    Good on you man, these times you have been through is what makes you the man you are today, best of luck going forward at SAFC.

  • @ArchieFatcackie
    @ArchieFatcackie День тому +1

    Well done son it’s shows real bravery to lay all this bare the hardest bit is over.
    You’ll have the backing of 40,000 Mackems urging you on all the way.

  • @David-cb6dh
    @David-cb6dh День тому +1

    Brave lad must have been hard to open up like this👏
    Good luck to him👏👏👏

  • @Jackson87safc
    @Jackson87safc День тому +4

    💪🏼 well done lad, now smash it on the pitch 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

  • @yorkshirelass1961
    @yorkshirelass1961 День тому +1

    Good luck son and welcome to Sunderland AFC look forward to seeing you play 😊xxx

  • @malcolmr9340
    @malcolmr9340 22 години тому

    Well done lad...owning up is one of the hardest things anyone can do.. Respect.

  • @bombcat9289
    @bombcat9289 День тому +1

    He’s remarkably mature due to his experiences for a 24 year old. I know you may not read this but keep moving forward Aaron, you’ll be proud of yourself in the future, good luck my friend.

  • @julie5446
    @julie5446 День тому

    Well done Aaron for speaking out and sharing what has been going on behind the scenes. As a Brighton fan we saw your potential wishing you all the best.

  • @leedstribe
    @leedstribe День тому

    Well done Aaron, very honest and open interview. Hopefully it helps others to confront their addictions. Get back scoring goals and get back in that green shirt, all of galway is behind you.