Twitter's heart breaks over former football star

Johannesburg - When former footballer Jethro "Lover" Mohlala opened up about being down and out, in the hope of warning other young players to not do the same, he probably didn't expect the flood of tears he got from Twitter.

The former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns player took to Facebook recently to reflect on the hard lessons he's had to learn as he saw fame, and then went bust.

But not content with spreading his message on Facebook, Jethro gave an interview on SABC 1's Sports@10 on Wednesday night, where he shared his life story and once again repeated his advice.

Before anyone knew it, Jethro found himself on the Twitter trends list as fans took to social media to offer their support:

"I grew up without a plan, no financial literacy... I thought I was a hero. I was my worst enemy" - Lovers Mohlala via @SPORTAT10TV

— Pearl Shongwe (@Pearl_Shongwe) January 20, 2016

"I've got lot of regrets,had so many girlfriends, one time there were 16 of them in my party"~ Lovers Mohlala on @SPORTAT10TV @thomasmlambo

— Velile Mbuli (@Veli_Mbuli) January 20, 2016

What Lovers Mohlala said was very painful but true.. I thank him for being honest. It tought me something.

— Dawgla» GHETTO DOGGZ (@FikileJantjie) January 20, 2016

Great advice from #LoversMohlala @SPORTAT10TV...I think all men should make use of that advice

— Khulekani Mbatha (@Khulekani_97) January 20, 2016

Lovers Mohlala's interview has really moved me! Shedding tears...I hope some of the current PSL players are watching and listening

— coudjoe amankwaa (@coudjoeamankwaa) January 20, 2016

#SportAt10 Lovers Mohlala looks sad but managed not to show others that he really is!

— Social Commentator (@TGModirwa) January 20, 2016

@SPORTAT10TV Lovers Mohlala was never my hero but from today since listening to advises he's giving he is my HERO very HONEST

— Tshembha Maluleke (@TshembhaMalulek) January 20, 2016