FORMER Premier League striker Mario Jardel has revealed he nearly DIED from a cocaine overdose after spiralling into depression and alcohol abuse.

The Brazilian, 53, enjoyed a glittering career in Europe before his life took a devastating turn following his omission from the 2002 World Cup squad.

Jardel, who played for Bolton Wanderers under Sam Allardyce, admitted he turned to drugs and drink after being overlooked by then Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The former Porto and Sporting Lisbon goal machine even revealed he once stayed awake for an entire week while taking cocaine.

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Jardel said: “I fell into depression and started drinking excessively. Playing in a World Cup was the dream of my life.

“My first wife left me and there were issues regarding the custody of our children.

“I felt everything was slipping away from me, but the worst was yet to come.”

Jardel continued: “In the summer of 2003 I tried cocaine. I was on holiday and I knew I could take it during that period because there were no anti-doping controls.

“I liked it; it made me feel alive and not depressed. Once I stayed awake for an entire week.

“Then I had an overdose, I almost died, and a friend who was with me saved my life. That’s when I hit rock bottom.”

His heartbreaking downfall came despite a sensational goalscoring record that had established him as one of Europe’s most feared forwards.

Jardel claimed he scored 168 goals in 175 matches across four years at Porto before firing 55 in 42 appearances during his final full season at Sporting Lisbon.

The Brazilian won two European Golden Shoes but was still snubbed for the World Cup, which his country went on to win.

He said: “Even today I can’t explain why Scolari didn’t call me up for Brazil in 2002. I was among the five best centre-forwards in the world.”

Jardel joined Bolton in August 2003 but struggled to recapture his remarkable form, making just seven Premier League appearances without scoring.

He later endured a miserable spell at Italian side Ancona, where he claimed he went six months without receiving his wages.

However, the former striker revealed he eventually turned his life around with professional help and the support of his second wife, Sandra.

He explained: “I spent months talking to psychiatrists. I came through it for good when I met my second wife Sandra: she made me understand the meaning of life, and today I’m happy.”

Jardel now lives in Fortaleza, Brazil, where he works as an entrepreneur, having left behind the darkest chapter of his life.

And reflecting on everything he has endured, he revealed the advice he would give his younger self: “To use his head and rely less on instinct.”