From Croatian Roots, He Gambled Away 40 Million Euros... Drugs and Women Destroyed Him, Found in a Basement
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former football goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, of Croatian descent, battled drug addiction and financial ruin after his career.
- He spent heavily on cocaine and faced near-fatal incidents, requiring intervention from his father and former teammate Sasa Curcic.
- Bosnich lost approximately 40 million pounds due to his lifestyle but has since recovered and works in sports media.
Mark Bosnich, the former football goalkeeper known for his stints at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, has a life story marked by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. Born in Australia to Croatian parents, Bosnich often expressed pride in his heritage, with family ties stretching across Croatia.
His career, however, was overshadowed by a severe drug addiction that began during his time at Chelsea in 2003. Bosnich admitted to spending around 5,000 euros weekly on cocaine. The situation escalated to a point where his father intervened, urging him to seek rehabilitation after Bosnich nearly shot him, mistaking him for a burglar.
Former teammate Sasa Curcic recounted helping Bosnich during his darkest period. Curcic described finding Bosnich in a depressed state in a basement apartment in London, having lost millions due to his lifestyle. "He told me, 'I used to look after you at Aston Villa, you were the problem, now you're looking after me.' I told him, 'Mark, you have to get up.'" Curcic managed to help Bosnich overcome the influence of drug dealers and encouraged him to fight back.
He told me, 'I used to look after you at Aston Villa, you were the problem, now you're looking after me.' I told him, 'Mark, you have to get up.'
Bosnich's struggles led to him being declared bankrupt in 2007. Curcic estimated that Bosnich lost around 40 million pounds, a fortune earned during his lucrative playing career where he reportedly made 60,000 to 70,000 pounds weekly. The former goalkeeper reportedly spent lavishly, including purchasing a five-million-pound penthouse.
Despite these hardships, Bosnich has since recovered. He now works for Fox Sports in Australia and reportedly visits Croatia regularly. His life has included two failed marriages, and he currently lives with his partner, Sarah Jones. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of addiction and the possibility of recovery.
Around 40 million pounds, cash that disappeared from the accounts. He was a goalkeeper for Manchester United and Chelsea, earning 60,000 to 70,000 pounds a week.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.