Paul Merson
Paul Merson is a former professional footballer with Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall, playing for some of the games most well known managers including George Graham, Bryan Robson, Graham Taylor, Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle and Arsene Wenger. He was also capped 21 times by England, making his debut in 1991 against Germany and playing in both the 1992 Euro Championship and 1998 World Cup.
The most successful part of his playing career was during his time at Arsenal where he won 2 League Titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup winners’ Cup.
He lived life to the full during his football career, had highs and lows, good times and bad times, however all the battles he faced on the pitch were nothing compared to those off it. His many achievements in the game were accomplished despite a long battle with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.
When he retired from football he carved out a successful career in the media with Sky television as a pundit on the Soccer Saturday Show and also has become a very popular after dinner speaker.
In 2019 while appearing on the documentary Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, Paul opened up about how his gambling addiction had affected his life, and his continued struggles with the addiction. He received praise for his candid discussion of the topic. Then in January 2020 he spoke about how his drink, drug and gambling habits also fuelled his struggles with his mental health.
Since his revelations on television Paul has also now become much sought after to speak for companies and organisations about his addictions and mental health issues.
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