Ben Cousins: 'I feel blessed with fatherhood'

Ben Cousins has revealed that he feels very "blessed" with fatherhood.

The former Australian Football League player, whose partner Maylea Tinecheff gave birth to their first child Bobby Ernest last month, said that his son is the most "precious gift" of his life.

Cousins told New Idea magazine: "This is what it's all about. I still can't believe we're so blessed to have such a perfect little boy. I never knew such love existed - and the best bit is it's just going to get better and better!"

He said that both he and Tinecheff were convinced they would have a girl and even had the name Stephanie picked out, but Cousins admitted that he is now excited "thinking about all the father and son things" that he and Bobby can do together.

The couple said that they "definitely want more kids", with Cousins admitting that he would like twins next, but Tinecheff joked: "Be careful what you wish for!"

A hard-hitting documentary about the 33-year-old's recovery from a previous drug addiction did extremely well in TV ratings last year.

Cousins said that he currently feels healthier than ever and was "devastated" at recent reports that he is back on drugs.

"I can categorically say these are vicious lies," he said. "The cruel attack is unfounded. I was angry that this one report could potentially affect not just me but my family."

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