Southampton legend Claus Lundekvam confesses he planned to ‘drink himself to death’
Popular Norweigan midfielder remarkably reveals his plan to take a one-way plane to Brazil to end life - but missed flight due to drugs binge
FORMER Premier League star Claus Lundekvam has revealed how he booked a one-way plane ticket to Brazil after planning to "drink himself to death."
Ex-Southampton defender Lundekvam spiralled into booze and drug addiction after retiring in 2008.
The Norwegian ace, now 43, said: “My wife left me along with our two little girls and I was left alone in a big house so I told myself I was going to drink myself to death.
“That was my destiny.
“At least that is how it felt. I was so low, I just accepted it. I booked a one-way ticket to Rio and had no intentions of coming back. I thought that was it, my final journey.
“I knew that in Rio I would find the things I wanted, a free flow of cocaine and lots of gorgeous women.
“That would have been fine by me. It wouldn’t have taken long. Luckily, I never made it. I would not have returned.”
Lundekvam played more than 350 games for Southampton and is now a successful TV pundit in Norway having overcome his addictions.
Speaking in the newly published book Saints and Sinners, Lundekvam said: “I was drinking myself to death – and I did not really care.
“I was so down and so depressed. I felt I could not cope without football. I missed the buzz and the adrenaline rush so I sought highs in other ways.