First translated by Google, and then by me :
"Claus Lundekvam (37), former national player for his country and pro in English club Southampton, has had tough years behind him. Now he gets help for his problems on Tony Adams' clinic - Sporting Chance Clinic - in England.
Lundekvam was last year sentenced to community service after driving with alcohol in his blood, and has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, it emerges in an interview with the Norwegian TV-channel TV2. May 17 he decided to seek help, and let himself into the clinic.
- Misguided
- I was misguided and in a black hole for some time, where I saw no way out. I booked a flight to Rio de Janeiro and felt that the whole world was after me. I just wanted away, I wanted to escape, I wanted to destroy myself, "said Lundekvam in an interview on TV 2 on Tuesday night.
- But I knew that it would kill me. Because this would have killed me. I give 100 percent no matter what, even when it comes to drugs, "said Lundekvam, who admits having used both alcohol and cocaine in order to" fill a gap, "as he calls it.
He also says he was hospitalized twice and was starting to get heartproblems on one occasion.
- I took it to extremes.
Now Claus Lundekvam looks on the brighter side of life.
- I can talk about it, I'm here and I get help. It is heavy, but I'll get through.
The centreback went from Brann to Southampton in 1996. He made around 420 appearances for Southampton - just over 300 in the Premier League.
Support from Semb
He also had 40 caps for Norway, most of them under former manager Nils Johan Semb.
- Claus ended up in a difficult situation. The positive is that he has taken a step, and is under treatment, "Semb told Dagbladet.
Semb thinks it helps that Lundekvam is open with his problems.
- It's a long and tough road, but openness is a good sign. There are some others who have been in the same situation. But there are many professional football players, and only a few that end up in trouble, "he said.
- For Claus sake, I hope he gets himself out of the problems. He is getting good help, "said Semb."