Ex-Bayern star Lell opens up: "Violence, alcohol, abuse" | OneFootball

Christian Lell spoke in an open interview about the dark chapters of his life, providing deep insights into his past.

The former FC Bayern professional, who frequently made headlines with scandals during his active career, talked on Welt TV about personal abysses. "It was a very unconscious behavior in a state of fear. I tried to find support externally," explained the now 41-year-old: "This accumulated and resulted in depression, which led me into a very life-weary phase."

Lell sees the causes of this development in his difficult childhood. "I grew up in a very conflict-ridden household with violence, alcohol, and abuse," reported the former full-back. "Football was a safe haven for me and an escape from an environment that was very conflict-laden." The leap into FC Bayern's youth team opened up a perspective for him at the time, but even as a professional, he couldn't leave all his internal wounds behind. Repeatedly, he made headlines with escapades, which harmed his sporting career.

Lell: Missed Chance with the National Team

Today, Lell reflects more thoughtfully on that time. "From this borderline experience, I found my way back from fear to love, reflection, and acceptance, and thus redeveloped into a new life," said the former junior national player. "I sought professional help, worked on myself. That was the jumpstart."

Photo: IMAGO

Lell describes that only through this process was he able to break free from old patterns. He sees his past mistakes as an important part of his journey today: "With today's knowledge and awareness, I perceive that time as part of this journey. I am grateful today that I was able to have this borderline experience to find the step towards myself."

However, the consequences of his missteps were significant. Lell recalled a missed opportunity to play for the national team: "Uli Hoeneß told me that national coach Jürgen Klinsmann had called him and would invite me to the DFB squad. But then I caused some scandal, and the call never came."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.