Former Inter Milan striker Adriano has spoken of his bout of depression while in Italy.

Adriano has since revived his career at Flamengo and following the death of Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke this week, the Brazilian spoke of his own battle against depression.

Adriano agreed to rescind his contract with Inter earlier this year in order to return home to Brazil.

The Brazil international first started suffering from depression and alcoholism when his father died five years ago.

"Depression also exists in the world of sport, and we shouldn't underestimate the problem," Adriano told Globoesporte..

"It happened to me in 2004, after the death of my father. I went through it, and for this reason I had problems with alcoholism.

"I started to drink because it was my way of trying to avoid the problems, and because I also suffered from insomnia. I forgot all the responsibilities that I had."