Former Aston Villa striker Wesley stated he sobbed for 20 days and turned to alcohol after sustaining a major knee injury in a 2-1 win against Burnley on New Year’s Day 2020.
Wesley, who scored his fifth Premier League goal at Turf Moor, was stretchered off with 20 minutes to go after a scissor-like challenge by Burnley’s Ben Mee, bringing his debut season at Villa Park to a premature conclusion. It was a lengthy road back for the striker, who rejoined the matchday squad 480 days later in 2020/21.
Wesley spent time on loan at Club Brugge, Internacional, and Levante before departing Villa in the summer of 2023. He signed with Stoke City last season, but struggled with form and is now looking for a new team.
Wesley was called up to represent Brazil for the first time after making a good start to his Premier League career at Villa, scoring five goals in his first 12 appearances. It made the injuries he suffered just six weeks after making his Selecao debut even more tragic.
“It was very difficult for me because I was selected for the national team in November and then on January 1st I was injured,” Wesley stated to human beings. “I scored against Burnley as well.”
“The defender went in; I had a scar on my leg. He went in, and I was hurt. But I didn’t believe it would be serious. The next day, the doctor informed me that I needed surgery. I performed the tests; everything needed to be operated on.
“I was mentally shaken. My wife was with me. I was very disturbed up. I fell into a drinking despair. I drank almost every day. “I cried every day for about 20 days.”
When asked what helped him get through the toughest part, Wesley replied, “I believe it was my wife and God. At the time, I was not a Christian; now I am.
“My wife was a huge assistance to me; she always told me I was going to turn things around because having someone by your side is important during this time.
“Players under a lot of pressure. Not only do they play football, but they also do it off the pitch. I’m essentially the sole provider for my family, so I have to aid everyone.
“Sometimes people who come to the stadium see us playing happy, scoring goals, and doing other things.” But they don’t know what’s behind us.”
“That [Brazil call-up] was the happiest moment of my career,” Wesley explained. “I played eight minutes against Argentina, which was a fantastic experience.
“Being able to play for the national team is something that every young football player dreams of. I worked hard to make the national squad, and when the opportunity arrived, I was overjoyed.”
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