Arsenal legend Tony Adams had recently expressed his gratitude for his appointment as the sporting director and youth development head of Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan FC a month before his 50th birthday.

The former Gunners defender was known for having a notorious lifestyle some 20 years ago when he was still a star footballer and he even admitted in a past interview that he did not expect to reach the age of 30 because of it.

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His alcoholism was at the front page of tabloids during that time until the former England national team skipper himself decided to turn his life around. He went on to establish his own foundation that would specifically cater athletes who are stuck in the said addiction

Now, his appointment as an executive of a China top flight team said to have placed "optimism and gratitude" in his heart as he continues a still rising career off the pitch, which took him to "Asia for the first time", as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I am really happy to be in Chongqing to experience another new, exciting adventure," said Adams, via ESPN. "I have been looking around for opportunities for a while now, and I have had a fantastic reception here in Chongqing. The fans are very knowledgeable about football."

Adams experienced an emotional homecoming to Arsenal in July of this year as the club's youth manager following a six-year stint in Azerbaijan as head coach then sporting director of Gabala FK. Still, he reportedly knew that coming home was a "temporary move" and it was proven by this offer from the Chinese first division domestic football league.

"I said to (Arsenal head of academy) Andries Jonker that I would help out with the U18s. But it was only for a month, in between jobs, for free," he added.

While Adams' love for Arsenal was evident, he could not turn down an offer from Chongqing as he personally met with its president during the recent Euro 2016.

"I met the president of the company, which manages the club, at the Euros. I was impressed by his humility, and I felt he was someone that I could work for," he admitted.

TagsChina Football, Chinese Super League, Chinese Super League news, Tony Adams, Chongqing Lifan FC