Once in the Champions League, now homeless: ex-Chelsea talent battles alcohol addiction

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The year was 2010. The then 19-year-old Jacob Mellis was brought in by coach Carlo Ancelotti in the closing stages of a Champions League match. What could have been the start of a great career turns into a highlight. After that, Mellis never played for the Blues again.

At that time, Mellis was earning about 9,000 francs a week – just over half a million a year. But alcohol was already his companion then. “If I wasn’t queuing or frustrated I would just go for a drink,” Mellis told the Daily Mail. His time in London ended after firefighters had to evacuate the entire training ground due to a smoke bomb Mellis had made himself.

Homeless for 18 months

The Englishman ended his career in 2021 due to a serious knee injury. He falls into a hole, fights his alcohol addiction. “I drink as much as I can. Just to forget the stress.” After the profile life, he’s plagued with self-doubt: “The many people who come up to me and say, ‘Oh my god, what happened to you?’ That makes me think.”

The 32-year-old has now been without a fixed address for a year and a half. “I think about where to go every day.” He has friends and family who help him. “You only want the best for me. They arrange hotels for me or I sometimes stay at their homes.”

Chelsea helps

Now Mellis sees the light at the end of the tunnel – also thanks to ex-club Chelsea, who helped him start a scout training. “I like to look at talent. I feel like I see potential,” says Mellis. He is also supported by the England Players’ Association (PFA). A withdrawal is also planned. (dti)

Source : Blick