Arsenal legend Tony Adams has a message for footballers struggling with the 'silent problem' of gambling.
The former England captain, who overcame alcoholism during his career, set up a charity in 2000 to help athletes struggling with all forms of addiction.
While the days of Arsenal's infamous Tuesday's Club are long gone and the meticulous conditioning of footballers means drinking is far less of an issue, there are other vices plaguing professional sport.
Former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton was given an 18-month ban and a £30,000 fine last season after admitting to placing 1,260 bets between March 2006 and May 2013. The bets included matches he himself had played in.
Adams believes gambling is so prevalent among Premier League footballers because it is so difficult to detect.
“Gambling is a silent problem because it is still seen as socially acceptable and does not have the same in-your-face quality of booze where you will eventually start slurring and fall over," said Adams.
“I love the saying the gambling industry has, ‘Gamble responsibly’. Come on, you can’t tell an addict to do that.”
Adams has encouraged those suffering from gambling addiction to to talk to their team-mates, loved ones or charities like his, Sporting Chance, to help begin the process of recovery.
"My salvation was opening my mouth," Adams continued. "If you have problems, whatever they may be, go and get help, and speak to people. Don’t carry anything around with you, don’t be British, and keep it all in.
"Some footballers are only comfortable on the pitch, and a complete mess off it. I know I was.
"For far too long I didn’t speak to anyone about my illnesses, and so I drunk too much, which only hurt me.
"A secret makes you sick. You keep it inside you, and it will only make it worse. Whatever it is, share it. Talk to someone.
"Too many footballers still see talking to someone, admitting you have a problem, as a weakness."