"I was blessed to become a footballer” | Paul McGrath on addiction, Sir Alex Ferguson & Aston Villa

[@filwarby632]

Paul McGrath was an unbelievable player. Right up there with the likes of Franco Baresi and Paulo Maldini.

[@matty6762]

Absolutely 💯

[@jkutv]

God.

[@josiahjames429]

Definitely

[@gar8860]

That game against Italy at the USA 94 World Cup….sensational performance

[@mrpotato442]

Agreed...for anyone that hasn't seen it watch his performance vs Italy in the World Cup in 1994. Still the best defensive display I've ever seen to this day.

[@blockysplacocker]

Paul is loved and worshipped as God down the Villa from old supporters like me who watched the great man play, to the younger Villans who know his name and hear the stories. Personally i have never ever seen a player who could read the game better than Paul. A true giant and legend of the game.

[@geoffhindley9402]

He had nothing to prove to united fans .we loved him. Absolute warrior..

[@EoinFe]

An Irish legend and a true gentleman! Wishing you all the best Paul and was always great to watch you play.

[@CEO786]

Thanks appreciate it .

[@DerekHarrison-d5d]

Paul was an absolute legend.Him and Martin Buchan in their primes would have been a formidable central defensive partnership for United.His autobiography was an eye opener,but it showed what he overcame to become the player he became.A true legend.

[@rigsby1454]

An absolute giant. That performance against Italy in 94 is an all timer. The best defender

[@py2007]

I met him in Dublin airport. All I could say was thank you. His eyes watered as he said thank you back

[@Rumpelstyltskin]

Lovely.

[@ReanimatorsMutilations]

​@@Rumpelstyltskinin 94?

[@danielhill4245]

No Paul - Football was blessed to have you. My footballing idol. You were an unbelievable footballer.

[@kerrymandanny8135]

That Ireland Italy game in 94 was the best performance ive ever seen. From a player with bad knees hungover he gave the Italians nightmares.

[@Standard_Jay]

McGrath was pushing 35 at the time too

[@thebillryan]

Was truly masterful in controlling the wonderful Baggio. One of the greats. And a lovely man.

[@IrelandFAI]

We will never forget!

[@Sean-ts8lp]

Got babb a move to Liverpool on back of it

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

He had a pass that I still can figure out. The ball came to him quickly at knee height ,and he just took all the power out of it and flicked it to Irwin at RB. Pretty much Rio and Vidic rolled into one player.

[@rob1969in]

I remember the documentary about Jack Charlton's fight with dementia and the smile that came across his face when he saw a video of Paul, poor Jack's memory had gone but he had a brief recollection of his time with Paul ,it was lovely,and shows what Paul meant to him.

[@Colin_Power]

@@rob1969in yeah that was a golden moment impossible to fake. The love was massive between those 2

[@simonkyle2009]

I remember that , couldn't recolect anybody Italia 90 but remembered paul , very heart warming monent

[@Cornerstone-z4d]

Dear Mr. Paul McGrath, I read your autobiography as a child. Your victory over alcohol addiction is an inspiration to me. Now, as a doctor, it serves as a guide in treating my patients. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your world with us.

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@Cornerstone-z4d His first Book ' Back from the Brink' is one of the rare Sports Bio's,where it's actually worth reading..He was a rare footballer,with fantastic ability ( Absolutely Top class) and then u thrown in how he was raised,his doubt&, uncertainty, addiction and the problems with his knees,it makes hard reading,but a book u can't put down...And with that said the guy is modest& humble,he basically apologizes for being present..So I would def recommend anyone to read that book ( and if he a new one i'll buy that as well) p.s I do hope he's doing o/k?

[@belfastconor8521]

Paul looks great and very healthy! Great to see. 🇮🇪

[@Nykona-Sharrowkyn]

I am a United supporter and absolutely loved watching Paul McGrath play, he was a brilliant center back

[@Withcare111]

A United supporter ?haha 💩

[@ehsansabaghian5617]

You can see, hear and feel his tough life journey. He is a man who has rediscovered life and himself. Respect.

[@Dontbeasheep33]

He obviously suffers with severe social anxiety & also an alcoholic to boot. Have to feel for him, imagine how much better he would have been if he was super confident skipper type. What a player he was.

[@skyliner6785]

When I get asked best defender ever Paul's my answer every time no thought needed

[@ryanc9754]

One of the best defenders of all time, let alone premier league era. People who dont think hes not the best premier league cb havent seen him play. Guy was literally world class.

[@Colin_Power]

in terms of timing and reading the play he was prime cannovarro level but add physicality and (noone can explain it ) speed

[@davehopkin9502]

I had the honour to watxh Paul at Villa Park many many times, I have never seen anyone read the game so well.... Thnaks for the memories Paul, you deserrve every blessing.

[@robertlaw1788]

Pound for pound arguably the best signing Villa ever made, I liked Paul before he joined us and was so happy to have seen God play for Villa, an absolute top player and a lovely bloke. UTV

[@mrpotato442]

I'm an Irish Man United fan and was at the game with my Villa friends on Sunday Robert. Ye definitely have given him the adulation he deserves with the murals around the stadium and hats off to ye for that. It's not an exaggeration to say he sits at the same table as Maldini, Terry , Baresi, Van Dijk, Cannavarro etc. An absolute colossus.

[@thefeckineejit264]

@@mrpotato442and I would bet that all those mentioned would put Paul sitting at the head of the table, they had that much admiration for him as a defender.

[@markrooney537]

Love how much villa fans still love him

[@CraigHiggins-n2f]

In the worlds best all time 11 for me, what a player

[@danielhill4245]

YES YES YES

[@jamiedeamer5765]

I first started going to Spurs around 10 or 11, I always remember standing behind the goal the first time we played Villa. I was blown away how easy he made football look, the ball or players just couldn't get passed him. He never seemed to break stride and had one pace through out the game. He was always two steps ahead of everyone else of the pitch. Every year Villa came back he was the same if not better. Easily one of the best players I've seen, massively underrated great to see him getting recognition.

[@Dontbeasheep33]

One of the greatest games readers. He was never out of control on a pitch, his positioning was one of the greatest ever seen. A skill not many have had or understand even to this day

[@cleehomes]

I remember the first time watching him at Old Trafford when I was a young lad when we played against Newcastle and he just made it look so easy! Such a blessed player!

[@usandusonly32]

Absolute legend. Also very good job by the interviewer. He really did his research and asked intelligent questions

[@Ben_B_Artist]

He also touched on sensitive subjects with grace as well.

[@tomh3877]

One of the best and most loved irish players of all time. An absolute legend of a man. Great to see in such great spirit. One day at a time Paul ✌️

[@johnadams20132013]

Met him twice in Wexford he doesn't live too far away from me wished me happy birthday a couple of times as well. He's a class act

[@dazza4345]

Yes i met him in Wicklow about 20 years ago.Absolute gent.

[@Macca-rb5ok]

The greatest defender - bar none - of the Premier League era. Absolutely world class.

[@paudieglynn3438]

Van Dijk is better by a country mile and I'm Irish

[@ryanjohnston7844]

Not as good as stam.

[@eoincasey5461]

tell me you know nothing about football without telling me you know nothing about football​@@ryanjohnston7844

[@eoincasey5461]

​@@paudieglynn3438doesn't matter where you're from... You're obviously only a kid and never seen Paul play.

[@tashale76]

God

[@JPWrightVoiceActor]

The story of Van Basten and Gullit waiting outside the dressing room for his jersey is iconic !

[@gordonward5050]

Simply the best defender I've seen man of the match week after week

[@leejohnson3209]

It can't be underestimated just how good he was, he was a rock at the back for Villa. His knees were shot and he never really ran faster than a jog for the last few seasons. But made the game look easy because he just saw the danger so early, he rarely had to run. But his performance for Ireland in 1994 v Italy is probably the best individual defensive display I've ever seen.

[@owen753]

Agree. He was unreal that day. Stopped everything. Immense. I'll never forget that match.

[@only1icon1801]

Considering he had bals-palsey in his shoulder as well in that game, he was truly outstanding

[@liamlynch9359]

Franco Baresi said after the match that it was the greatest defending he ever seen on a pitch.

[@rorydoyle5107]

It can't be overestimated*

[@leejohnson3209]

@@rorydoyle5107 It must not be underestimated, one might say it can't be underestimated... But it certainly can't be overestimated... Correction duly noted!

[@L3n1n99]

As a younger Villa fan… I didn’t have the opportunity to watch him live. But man.. from what I’ve hear from fellow Villa fans.. this man was just CLASS.

[@danielhill4245]

And Ireland. He is a legend for the national team as well. Had Baggio in his pocket in 1994.

[@Alienjujitsu]

Yes he was Lord McGrath UTV 💜💙🦁

[@stephenturner6075]

This guy was some player, he was world class. Paul McGrath always comes across as a very polite, humble decent human being. His book is a fantastic read and i would love to have a pint or ten of Guinness with Paul... from a Rangers supporter.

[@rossmurray6979]

I watched him at Derby at the end of his career . He didn't train but was the best player on the pitch

[@cathalbrendankelly1892]

Even the great Roberto Baggio after that famous World Cup opening round game in The Giants Stadium NY 94 sent a letter that was published in the match programme of McGraths testimonial in what was then Landsdowne Road four years later, expounding how brilliant a defender McGrath was. We only watched and admired him. Real football players understood how great he was.

[@deppresedonion6320]

Baresi chased him down for his jersey after the game in 94 and in 88 Ruud Guilt & Frank Rijkaard were outside the dreesing room arguing about got his jersey . Mark Bosnich was on a podcast he said he played with John Terry Marcel ,Desailly , Rio Ferdinand he named another few maybe Jaap Stam and he said none them came close to McGrath.

[@Colin_Power]

@@deppresedonion6320 he often did the work of 2 men

[@Colin_Power]

@@deppresedonion6320 as in he'd be man marking someone but still sweeping up and covering fullbacks and helping in midfield. Im not even exagerating

[@roryodwyer]

An Irish National hero. Universally loved, and what a player. USA 94 v Italy is written in folklore. I'll never forget that day.

[@fmully1429]

What a wonderful human being. No matter what team you support, you've gotta love paul, one of the Greats.

[@garypritchett8136]

Legend isn’t a strong enough word to describe him. I was lucky enough to see most of his games for Villa home and away. He’s looking well in this interview, the Villa fans worship him. What days they were. Ooh Aah Paul McGrath!

[@Dontbeasheep33]

Absolute COLOSSAL of a player.

[@danno5142]

Legend . And a Top top player

[@pauldyer7437]

As a Utd fan, gutted he left , was a monster ! But give him his dues, played brilliantly for the Villa and deserved everything that came his way .

[@alexavfclineham7301]

Criminal that no one ever mentions him in Premier league best defenders. He may not be as decorated as others but he was every bit as good as a footballer. Way ahead of his time and would be a monster in the modern game. Oh and to villa fans jim walker is not an unfamiliar name, another legend of a man. Up the Villa God

[@padraiglocke8844]

When I was a child he came to my former home town of Tralee to do a Fai Coca Cola clinic, I went up to him and said “Ooh ah Paul McGrath, Ooh ah Paul McGrath! “🇮🇪 I’ve his signed jersey framed in my house here in New York to pass down to my American Kids!!!!!!

[@cobrafroch3280]

Met him yrs ago, absolute gentleman, and what a player

[@markshields5883]

What a player , in his prime he would have walked into any team in the world

[@mccabedave]

Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. I hope your journey is an example to,young players today. You are and will always be a Villa legend.

[@bewleyberry]

1994 Giants Stadium v Italy is the finest solo defensive performance I've seen my life.

[@babyrne78]

The black pearl. What a player and what a man.

[@Frostyvrmonke123]

Excellent player and even better human being. Everyone speaks about Italy in 1994 and rightly so. Because he marked Baggio (worlds best player at the time) its never forgotten. But his performance v Norway in the game after was every bit as good or better. Could play anywhere. A diamond

[@davidmackeown9318]

Ooo aaa paul mcgrath. What a player and a true genleman. Legend.

[@mastemawolfesq.2408]

Absolute Legend! A great players player and ambassador for the sport!

[@nordicdusk]

One of my football heroes I absolutely love this man. Paul and the whole Irish team gave this country so much joy during 1990 and 1994 World Cups it was an amazing time. Apart from the fact he was an amazing footballer what a real gentleman. Thanks Paul for everything you did.

[@anthonyjtracey]

Unbelievable player for club and country. Unbelievable human, humble, open, honest, always love listening to Paul…

[@encorefootball]

Legend. Fantastic player in his prime.

[@MarkPettifer]

Truly loved and worshiped by us Villa fans. ❤

[@williamharrison7797]

Paul was and still is a hero to me as a Man United fan

[@eoincasey5461]

Irelands greatest ever footballer.

[@markovilla1]

Followed Villa home and away all the time in the early 90s before moving overseas. Not only was I lucky enough to see him play week in, week out but, I actually realized AT the time how good he was ... so often in life you find yourself really appreciating great things in retrospect but not with God... we ALL seemed to understand it, right there in the moment.

[@SPerill]

Legend, when he talks you stop everything your doing and listen. Such a gentle soul off the field and a fierce competitor on it.

[@banares6880]

Unbelievable player was Paul absolute legend and icon god bless brother wish you the best for the future

[@brenkelly1474]

I met him twice over the years...an absolute gentleman...honestly..we chatted about football and other things...so quietly spoken and gentle....what a footballer.!

[@paulwhite2533]

what a fantastic chap....what a career.....lovely fella

[@athlone1975]

What an extraordinary footballer Paul was. A hero here in Ireland and a legend at two giants of English club football. Come across as a lovely humble person.

[@darrenmooney6167]

What an unbelievable Human being, a true Gentleman 👏

[@JohnHookings-b8y]

My 8 year old grandson often chants "Ooh Aah Paul McGrath" . What a legend!

[@briansterenberg2979]

When Ireland beat Italy at Giants stadium in World Cup USA 94 McGraths ability to handle the likes of roberto baggio was absolutely astounding. The best defensive performance I had ever seen and a very nice, humble and admirable person

[@backpackingireland8624]

What a player. Got himself together and looks amazing . Love this honesty. For Ireland in the top 4 , Keane , Brady , Whelan . Arguably the greatest PL centre half .

[@jimbowen2142]

Paul. You are felt in the heart's of all Villa fans. We all love you, you loved us. You are a villa legend. On a personal note, you are a Amit your faults. We all have faults. Thankyou for the memories. ❤❤

[@TheHiltonblake]

Liverpool-fan, here... Great player of his generation.. Grew up watching him play for a very strong Villa-side in the early 90's..

[@paulfitness5157]

"Paul McGrath is my Dad " This was my chat up line to girls when I was growing up in Dublin

[@scottheritage4545]

Absolute gentleman. Lovely fella. And what a player. Thanks,Paul.

[@michaelfawole9974]

Arsenal supporter here, I loved watching Paul play, efficient and pure class..

[@KayHannon]

It was a pleasure to watch him play for Aston villa happy days Good luck for the rest of your life ❤

[@fogmasterfresh]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Paul McGrath should read every audiobook, a voice like velvet

[@Wol-X7]

I’ve had the pleasure seeing this guy play and he was immense… the best defender I’ve ever seen and he’ll always be know. As God at VP 💜

[@TheIkaraCult]

We were blessed to have you Paul. Thank you for everything.

[@hoogenband0110]

I was at a sports quiz at a bar in CORK city (Roy Keane's hometown and a bar he'd have frequented on many occasions) in April 2005. Guest of honor at the event was Ronnie Whelan. When asked who the best player he ever played with was, Whelan paused for 10-15 seconds (partly because of the din of voices chanting: "KEANO, KEANO, KEANO", before Whelan said: "I played with and against so many great players. But, if I had to choose one player above all the rest, I'd have to say: PAUL McGRATH." Enough said.

[@ArmyofLove]

This man is a beautiful soul. If Ireland football association make sure Paul is involved in the squad for international matches, they would have such a better chance of success with the love and knowledge he possesses in truck loads.

[@wzz2891]

The best defender in Premier League history. Certainly Aston Villa's best ever player.

[@only1icon1801]

Met him once, he was so humble and down to earth, the man is truly a beautiful enigma. Thank you for everything Paul You'll always be God to us Villa and Irish fans 💜💙💚🤍🧡

[@corkboy4523]

The guy is an introvert who used alcohol as a crutch as a way of fitting in in an extroverts world. Unfortunately it lead to addiction but he seems to have gotten on top of it thankfully. Lovely man and a truly great player.

[@billybigtime2808]

Great interview. Respect to the man asking the questions he did that to perfection

[@matt_jersey6229]

Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Oh lord, Paul McGrath... Up The Villa

[@MrChazstick]

Get in there

[@Alienjujitsu]

UTV 💜💙🦁

[@thehumblegent]

A fantastic time to be a MUFC supporter. Fair play to Paul McGrath, a United legend for those of a certain age. Peace and love

[@darrenwoolley8433]

Paul God McGrath's my favourite ever player I've been privileged to meet the great man he's such a gentleman.

[@paulbrown2532]

Absolute legend and gentleman met Paul before at a book signing in maynooth years ago absolutely friendly down to earth man. Wishing you all the best Paul.

[@neilpalmer1662]

When players like Ian rush & Liniker say McGrath was the best defender they faced u know the man was special

[@StuartCumings]

great guy and humble and battled his demons and 100% respect too him

[@Hampdeninthesun]

Met this man in jury's hotel Dublin one afternoon. An absolute gentleman. I first saw Paul when my dad took me to watch him for St Pat's he sailed through the game. What a footballer 🍀

[@Jamie-hv4uk]

Oooo ahhhh Paul McGrath say oooo ahhhh Paul McGrath

[@QuentinKarentino]

Before my time sadly, but i often watch old games, clips, compilations, this man did things you'd never see the top crop do these days, some lad. UTV

[@thelolguy007]

Such respect for Paul. What an absolute. Can still hear the shouts back in the day in Ireland ‘Ugh Ahh Paul McGrath, say Ugh Ahh Paul McGrath’ 👏👏👏💚

[@paulbrown7374]

An outstanding footballer.. Absolutely gifted. When the greatest of Italian defenders queue up to shake his hand, you know you're dealing with greatness.

[@Round_07]

I went to my first Villa game in 1978 and the man is simply the best player I’ve seen in a Villa shirt. Everyone talks about his performances in the ‘94 World Cup, but he played like that every week for the Villa.

[@richardwhitworth4122]

John Motson described McGrath's performance as outstanding in the 85 FA Cup Final against a treble chasing Everton team. He was Man of the Match that day when United were reduced to ten. Big crowd favorite at Old Trafford he would have walked into this current side of today.

[@ShaneGammell-gz6hw]

Absolute legend and so modest of his talent

[@andyfrowen4307]

I'm not a United, or Villa supporter, but I loved watching him play. A proper rock solid defender 👏👏👏

[@carn5haun343]

Had the pleasure to meet Paul twice. Absolute gentleman

[@mrpotato442]

Im an Irish Man United fan and was at Villa Park on Sunday with my Villa friends. Great to see the different murals and tributes of him around the stadium. He's on the Mount Rushmore of Irish football and it is definitely not an exaggeration to say he is up there with the best ever defenders like Baresi, Maldini, Terry, Ferdinand, Van Dijk etc.

[@gerardoconnor2793]

The Pearl of Inchacore Big Paul McGrath could play anywhere with no knees he was that good God bless Paul and may you have many years of good health

[@AlunJC]

The absolute OG cigar on Don. He made being a CB look soooo graceful and easy. And such a gentleman too! Know there’s other shouts, but ones I’ve seen - it’s him, Hansen & Virgil - next level Michelin star gravy…

[@iFarquhar]

What a brilliant, engaging and endearing man.

[@kevinbury3617]

and the best chant ever....pure legend and so thankful he is looking really well....not easy ...GOD

[@Energyflash1979]

And the football years were just part of a life in which he is a real inspiration to anyone with addiction issues. He wrote about his battle with imposter syndrome in his book "back from the brink". He doesn't know it but he has helped me through a lot. Thanks Paul.

[@iRRichiee]

An extremely tough childhood and life turned into a brilliant playing career. Top human being and a top player who would make you proud to be Irish..