I had two choices – either pick up the phone and ask for help or die, admits ex-Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley

JEFF WHITLEY has bravely opened up about his battle with addiction and recovery from the depths of despair.

The 45-year-old starred for Manchester City and Sunderland and earned 20 caps for Northern Ireland between 1997-2005.

But behind the scenes, battles with alcohol and drugs led to problems off the pitch, including bankruptcy and a spell in rehab.