Royston Drenthe says Everton boss David Moyes rescued his career.

Despite the fact that Moyes sent the ex-Real Madrid star packing, Drenthe is grateful for the Scot's hard words.

"It was David Moyes who has opened my eyes," said 25-year-old Drenthe, who moved to Alania Vladikavkaz, 1200 miles south of Moscow.

"I am fighting for my last chance in life and in football. I have just lost a stone in weight.

"I can only say that Moyes was right in every way. I was not living like a professional player in Liverpool.

"I can try and come up with all sorts of excuses, but that is not fair on anyone. I look in the mirror and I have to admit that I had to stop living the way I did. All players love to go out and hit the town. But I had no discipline at all. I hit rock bottom.

"I was close to ending up on the street again where I once was before I ­became a footballer.''