Ex-Man Utd ace addicted to sleeping pills and would’ve ‘died if I kept going’

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson admitted he could have died after becoming addicted to sleeping tablets.

The former United youth product won the Premier League and League Cup at Old Trafford before playing for Everton and Sunderland in the top-flight, racking up almost 100 Premier League appearances.

Gibson, 36, retired from football in 2021 after suffering an injury-hit final season at Salford City brought an end to a career that was blighted by fitness and injury concerns. But the former Republic of Ireland international revealed the toughest battle he faced during his career was a sleeping tablet addiction.

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Gibson told The 42 that he used to take between 12 and 14 pills a day at the height of his addiction, saying it was that severe he would’ve ended up dying if he continued. He revealed: “I don't even think I was functioning at that point. Looking back at pictures, I was grey, if I had kept going I would have died. I was taking 12 to 14 sleeping tablets a night.

“I was rushed to hospital and I didn't mention any sleeping tablets to anyone. Danielle (Gibson's wife) knew I took them but she had no idea to what extent. I was good at hiding it. Sometimes I'd take them all at once when we'd be going to sleep and I'd say I was bringing up a drink of water for her.

“I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to say now that I was in a bad way but in the hospital I wasn't telling anyone. They thought it was epilepsy but I knew it wasn't. It was sleeping tablets, it had been going on for years by now. The doctor rang and said my brain and heart were fine.”

Gibson isn’t the first to speak out on his addiction after Dele Alli bravely opened up to Gary Neville about his personal battle with sleeping tablets and his decision to go to rehab in July.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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