In a shocking admission, Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor has revealed that he would often throw his laptop down the stairs in a fit of rage after losing thousands of pounds playing online poker.
Agbonlahor, who spent his entire professional career at Aston Villa, admitted to his bizarre and destructive habit during a candid interview with a popular sports podcast. The former Premier League striker opened up about his struggles with gambling addiction and the toll it took on his mental health.
“I used to get so caught up in the excitement of playing poker online that I would often lose track of how much money I was spending,” Agbonlahor confessed. “When I realized how much I had lost, I would become overwhelmed with anger and frustration. I would often take out my anger on my poor laptop, throwing it down the stairs in a fit of rage.”
The 34-year-old former footballer explained that his addiction to online poker began during his playing days at Aston Villa and continued to escalate after his retirement from professional football in 2018. Agbonlahor revealed that he would spend countless hours playing poker online, hoping to recoup his losses and strike it big.
However, Agbonlahor’s gambling addiction soon spiraled out of control, leading to financial ruin and strained relationships with his loved ones. The former England international admitted that he sought help for his addiction and has been working towards recovery ever since.
“I hit rock bottom when I realized how much money I had lost and the toll it was taking on my mental health,” Agbonlahor said. “I sought help and have been undergoing therapy to address my issues with gambling addiction. It’s been a tough journey, but I am determined to overcome this challenge and rebuild my life.”
Agbonlahor’s admission sheds light on the dark side of professional sports and the struggles that many athletes face after retiring from the spotlight. His story serves as a cautionary tale for others who may be struggling with similar issues and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support.
As Gabby Agbonlahor continues on his path to recovery, he hopes that sharing his story will inspire others to seek help and break free from the grips of addiction. His candid admission serves as a reminder that even the most successful and celebrated individuals can face their own demons and challenges.