Emiliano Viviano feared career ruin after drunken night before Everton trip | OneFootball

Emiliano Viviano says he thought his career might be over after being told he could start for Arsenal at Everton despite having been out drinking the night before during the 2013/14 season.

"I had drunk half a bottle of vodka. I went to my friend who owned the night club and showed him the message. He asked: 'What now?' I replied: 'Now bring me more vodka'." He told The Sun.

"I got home, had a shower and when I arrived in the dressing room in Liverpool, the great Santi Cazorla told me: 'You smell of alcohol, it's disgusting'."

"It was the only time in my life I almost had a panic attack. I couldn't see anything and kept repeating to myself: 'If I have to play, my career is over'."

Wojciech Szczesny kept his place and played the full match, and Arsenal lost 3-0 at Goodison Park.

"At Arsenal, there was Wenger. I was expecting something revolutionary. In terms of approach, he was a normal coach, but I didn't play because Szczesny had an incredible season, and there was also Fabianski."

"In my career, I made several decisions with my gut, and leaving Inter is the only regret I have." He left for Sampdoria in 2014, spending four seasons, and retired in 2024 after more than 400 games in Italy with Inter Milan, Palermo, Fiorentina, Bologna and Sampdoria.

Source: Sunderland Echo