Paul Merson Opens up on Addictions, Football Legacy & Losing Millions Gambling

[@BenHeathPodcast]

Timecodes 0:00 Paul Merson 1:15 Having Panic Attacks 3:12 I’m Addicted To Football 6:15 I Should of Been Sacked Sooner 7:26 My Addictions 10:45 Gambling Is The Worst Addiction 18:27 How I Can Help You 18:49 I Won Everything 22:04 Alcohol is Everywhere 27:29 I Lost over £7Million 32:59 I Spent My Pension 37:07 Betting Companies 40:22 Ivan Toney 45:42 You ONLY Get Today 46:39 Matt le Tissier 51:27 I Wasn’t Underrated 52:27 Middlesbrough Transfer 53:40 Ultimate 5 a Side Team EVER! 55:31 England & Southgate 57:05Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd 1:04:23 Next Ballon D’or Winner

[@JCT-u7k]

1.05. Self promotion. Buy my book. Book me for talks. So I can make money.

[@liambrennan-graphic-designer]

Nothing but respect for Paul Merson, Top man, hope he keeps doing what he's doing which can't be easy. All the best to him....

[@AmandaBell-lc7uk]

Why? Because he had everything before losing it and now getting paid to admit it. Wow. Well done.

[@liambrennan-graphic-designer]

@AmandaBell-lc7uk it's an illness mate, look it up

[@ScottReviewsThings]

So much respect for this man. The best player I’ve seen at Pompey. Lead our team to the premier league. But his honesty has always shone through. What a man. Deserve so much more for his talent.

[@jacksmalling4265]

A genuine man who, scarily like all of us, can fall into a deep rut without a ladder. Glad he came out the other side and is with us

[@philbrainy2399]

He’s a fucking traitor the way he sided with sky over le tissier

[@nikobellic570]

He's broke, with young kids to look after and a crippling gambling addiction. He chose a roof over his kids and wife's head over politics@@philbrainy2399

[@Leewoods123]

He’s not gonna shag you m8

[@Leewoods123]

@@philbrainy2399get a grip ffs

[@omiethamsia9009]

@@philbrainy2399 le tissier is a fucking looney mate

[@clivebonneywell6967]

Paul merson totaly loved watching him play never gave up and gave his all when playing

[@Michael-hk6dj]

He's a good bloke. I'm Irish and really respect Merson. The sitting in the pub wasting time really got me. I spent the last 20 years in the pub.

[@muntari82]

This is the most real interview

[@brianwebb5503]

Carry on the good work Paul. I was gambling from the age of 12 on fruit machines. Did not find help until I was 24. Had to close all bank accounts. My wife gave me ten pound a week in pound coins and I had to make it last. As well as attending GA every week. I've now been clear of gambling 25 years. I can walk past machines now. Without even thinking about them. I wish you every success in your recovery.

[@suttonj1991]

Love his honesty , real person Merson is

[@JackReece-ri5uw]

Merson the person

[@Ali1986Koksal]

He's just so upfront and honest about everything and the effects his addictions had on his relationships, finances and everything else are simply heartbreaking.

[@brianhenson7877]

one of the best gambling stories i have heard to this day ! paul is 100% correct. when you gamble you lose money. you lose time and you have to deal with mental health also

[@Leewoods123]

For anyone to ever think that Rashford is ‘one of the greatest players to ever play for England’ is absolute madness. And I’m a United fan

[@elicorcarwilson6675]

Nobody does .

[@sionprice2432]

Not what he said

[@Leewoods123]

@@sionprice2432 yes he did. Use your ears

[@sionprice2432]

@@Leewoods123 use your ears. He said on last seasons performances he could be one of the greatest players to play for England he didn’t say he is one of the greatest players to ever play for England.

[@Leewoods123]

@@sionprice2432 that’s exactly my point you utter dope🤦‍♂️

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

Big up yourself Paul! Maximum respect! I remember seeing Merse sat in a Golf GTi plotted at the top of my road at 1am waiting for someone to score for him, I know because i scored from there too. Drugs are NOT the answer.👍

[@Thai.Farang]

Why do you take them then?

[@HectorAFC-w7f]

The merse what a great player Unbelievable he had these addictions & was so brill Glad he is over his addiction What a sound bloke

[@Lifegoalsandtips]

Wow, when Merson talks I’m glued to what he is saying, such an amazing guy and speaks so well, I think he would of made an excellent football manager, he is actually funny too 😅

[@nogginnogg1788]

What a deep and genuine man. Football would do well to listen to people like Merson and Tony Adams who’ve lived the life and know the pitfalls. Great interview.

[@Mark-hi1cj]

I had a cousin that was a functioning heroin addict thet kept it secret for 10 years he never stole either never missed a day of work. paul reminds me so much of him. My cousin stayed clean for 6 years. His mum died and he went back to it and was found dead in his chair he was 57 .i hope paul can stay clean. YNWA

[@joemorgan636]

Paul Merson was a brilliant player runs down up through middle loved it use to piss up Mel Sterland of Leeds Utd time and time again and Leeds were bollocks in mid 80s won league. Remember those famous FA CUP replays time and time with Leeds always ran Arsenal close but Gunners, just had that to much in locker for them remember Anfield 89 the nuts Micky Thomas goal had to win by 2 clear goals and did mate the big Man Utd tussles in 90s paul was involved in all off it love this fella brought So much joy in our household. Just honest honest person.

[@StellaArtois-n1b]

Paul merson was a really class player back in the day full respect for him

[@Africasideways]

Another great interview, keep em comin.

[@philrobinson5667]

I can remember a very young Paul Merson playing in a televised 5 a side tournament for Arsenal and thinking ‘there’s one for the future’ I was correct as a few years later he was ripping up trees in Arsenal first team. Such a shame how his life went due to addiction. He said some really good things about my team Stockport County when he was at Middlesbrough so he’s alright for me.

[@thechipman2473]

We love you Merse, keep going, an inspiration to all

[@aa4172]

totaly agree with you Paul, too much gambling adverts on early morning radio

[@gerardfoley9619]

Paul is a top man ...

[@1quebert]

Great interview. Love this man, very open and honest and was a great footballer too. Best of luck in the future Merse.

[@HarryStarks]

Well done Merse. One of my boyhood heroes. I got my 18 years sober on February the 15th. I've also worked in addiction services and agree with what Paul said about gambling being the worst addiction. It's a bottomless pit. I actually use the same description that Paul uses to describe the addiction. You drink a bottle of vodka and it is evident that you are under the influence. You can only stick so much coke up your nose, or so much junk in your arm. Plus you haven't spent as much money as somebody who is struggling with gambling addition which is a bottomless pit and your physical appearance doesn't change compared to alcohol or drugs so it's easy to mask. In my opinion gaming definitely is the worst addiction out there and the financial destruction it causes is claustrophobic.

[@alanssnackbardailyrelaxati8155]

Find this very powerful. I hope Mr merson is successful in his endeavour.

[@fergusmaher7490]

Spurs fan here but have to say that since Merse became a pundit I have a lot of time for him. Genuine guy. Same goes for Wrightie too.

[@tarmactrailandtrack]

Merson speaking total sense! He's learnt and its been hard on him.

[@Buck783]

Talking about his issues is such a brave thing, plus it’s 2nd stage journey he is now on ❤️❤️⚽️⚽️

[@josiekaposie5783]

what a load of tosh , sad old man trying to make himself relevant , he has been telling this story for twenty five year

[@adamgarner6742]

Love this lad he's proper, just talks football as it is

[@stuartburnett351]

So honest and without ego.

[@MXB1973]

What a player Paul Merson was. In his pomp he would’ve got in any team in the world.

[@MrDaciasandero]

Cmon who doesn't love Merse ...keep going Paul....awesome player in your day...and I'm sure an awesome fella as well

[@aggie3344]

Respect to Paul merson from a man united fan

[@LteasAVFC]

I Rate Paul so so much as a Football Player and as a human being. Been through addiction myaelf and i know how hard it is, for sure!!!! UP THE VILLA..!! ❤

[@darrenlee9237]

"Sometimes it's not clever to be clever" "I keep my head down" Merson's take on his friend Le Tiss' getting sacked by Sky. Sounds like a clear acknowledgement that we're living in an Orwellian dystopia doesn't it. Christ, what a ride we're on... 🙄

[@sevans606]

Mad innit

[@summan41man]

Always speak the truth, or else you're cheating yourself.

[@phillipmills5572]

If you liked this interview read his first book "How not to be a professional footballer" its like an open wound and a real peak behind the curtain, I'm a spurs fan but love the guy.

[@DarrenSmith-tq2xz]

I thank Paul merson for everything that he did when he was at the Boro was angry with him when he left and signed for villa all the best in the future mers

[@formerarcadian8167]

6th sense footballer. The most gifted footballer I’ve ever seen play at Villa Park.

[@mrchickflick4444]

I’m just happy at 18:37 that wasn’t a sky bet sponsor break 😅

[@blahqwe]

Isn't this exactly the same line-up as Jeff Stelling's podcast? How many pods is too many?

[@adamgarner6742]

Come on mers , come to Sheffield Wednesday, love yer pal

[@Bradley-tp9df]

Paul merson your a legend and get it 110%

[@Mike72-vv5zr]

Honesty from Mers what a player know where he’s coming was addicted to every drug under the sun 19 years clean but it’s a horrible existence it’s like a full time job

[@mrchickflick4444]

Merson can waffle more than a waffle machine at times on sky but I actually think he’s a top bloke with actual intelligence especially around gambling in this country

[@scottsaul]

Self sabotage was a big problem for me .

[@Buck783]

Merson is a legend ! Had a few beers with him in Tenerife , we are both now tea total 👌👌💪💪⚽️⚽️

Sounds boring as fcuk

[@hundal45]

Tee you thicko

[@ulfanfinneriksen4643]

Gambling , drugs and alcohol is soul destroying.

[@juniorjones79]

Cracks me up, top bloke Merse 👊👊

[@muntari82]

Thanks for this Merse

[@davidsanders2806]

Brilliant podcast

[@grsl4026]

You don’t get a better footballer than Paul Merson. Absolute legend of the game

[@AnthonyG-y6f]

I Still think Paul could be a great Manager but I think a mistake ex players make is going into it too early. Early 40s you still have things to learn about yourself and there is still room to learn new things about your profession. At 50 plus, people can look at things and deal with things very differently, and then people considerably younger than you react to YOU differently. But Merson has the best job in talking about football, he is great at it, much better and more interesting than 90 percent of other pundits.

[@qed456]

Legend!

[@Scott1433]

When it comes to football Paul Merson sometimes has some wacky opinions. When it comes to addiction, I would actually consider him an expert. He understands addiction so well and has some very sensible ideas about tackling it

[@RichardWallis-r9o]

Top player and top bloke, in todays market would be worth 75 Million

[@michaelcassidy5920]

Bollox 🙄😊

[@joemorgan636]

Paul Merson, running millstone and ragged down the wings, just make me laugh, just take the piss out of him. Paul was good man. Used to call him a Magic Man hearing his name on the radio all the time. Capital gold sport 1548 MW commentator was Jonathan Pearce. Great great Memories. Well well done paul brilliant career back then Liverpool Arsenal Man Utd top 3 side consistently.

[@oovreg5610]

Respect!

[@liamharvey2053]

Top man 👌

[@londonlifeexplorer3915]

36:50 39:32 41:00 46:29 49:40

[@christophermccann2353]

Nice fellow

[@adamnuttall7383]

Top man Mers

[@vanmarko6654]

Shocked he didn't even mention Liverpool when asked who was going to win league 😮

[@tikemyson5627]

Proper chels is Merson

[@paulmorganmorgan7541]

Paul I have walked in similar shoes when it comes to gambling and coke But last year I would never of had Rashford even in that conversation but that's just my humble opinion

[@tonygarforth539]

i thought he was talking about me he is so true it is the worst of the worst it will always fetch you to your knees gambling is the root to all evil believe me i should no i have lost everything when you go on one of them unlucky runs its game over

[@anthonymcnamee6297]

Nice n straight

[@scottcuk1]

One moment he says betting adverts are ok, it's the addict's choice to walk out the room / turn the channel over. Next minute he says footballers have no choice but to bet. Which is it?

[@Adam-jn3yr]

I think what he meant was they shouldn't hand out 10 month bans to footballers for gambling because it does nothing but feed their addiction. But I suppose it is still their fault

[@Rossboy2112]

Paul is a lovely fella a genuine nice guy brilliant player he’s an Arsenal legend he has his demons like most human beings nobody has a bad word to say about merse I wish him all the best in the future I love Arsenal FC and Paul along with Ian Wright were the reason I started supporting the Gunners in 1991 both brilliant players And Arsenal legends he won 2 league titles a league cup the FA Cup and the cup winners cup and also reached the final again in 1995 that 1991 Arsenal league winning team was very underrated in my opinion George Graham was a very underrated manager people say he was to defensive I don’t agree he won 6 major trophies built the best back 5 iv ever seen play as a unit phenomenal defence with flair players like Wrighty Merse Limpar Rocky Rocastle R.I.P David ❤ COYG

[@londonlifeexplorer3915]

14:20 19:14 19:47

[@theorgazoid4918]

Gambling companies are absolute scum. Adverts need banned.

[@michelleaspden6586]

Why don’t gamble I lost 70 grand in 6 months life is life 😂😂 mr not michelle

[@joemorgan636]

Mel Sterland Leeds Paul take him for a Run down the Wings or down the middle of pitch ran him ragged so funny 😂😂

[@jrothweldo7]

Don't know why ppl say Stuart Peace is a hardman joke

[@thegreasystrangler7012]

Stuart Peace was overrated

[@tikemyson5627]

An hard man in football not in the street lol

[@ProfessorJay-sc6vd]

I see Paul in the local bookies in West London 😅 Man of people, Paul Top Man Still gambling 👍🏼

[@lukebillingham1946]

Merson and Gerrard - 0 left foot but didn’t need it, with a sexy outside of the right.

[@Leewoods123]

Like Merse but the ‘City are the best football team ever’ is absolute nonsense

[@captainhawdy]

Ok working for sky though advertising gambling every few minutes

[@brentinnes5151]

Matt has got a pair..Mers too afraid..thats all there is to it

[@ScottTrenum]

❤ merse

[@tomscott9685]

Help me please

[@shiftylad9938]

Jesus Mersin really must have been a bad punter. Said England will win the Euros and players from other countries (squads) wouldn’t get in their team. So French or Spanish players must be shaking in their boots 😂😂😂😂

[@TheCAPTAINDESTROYER]

Please learn some basic English. As an English born person over the age of 2, you should know that’s it “I was taught by someone”, not “I was learned by someone”. For God’s sake! Come on, so basic!

[@samsimpson565]

Who cares? He’s not in an English lesson, he’s a professional footballer not a grammar expert and has said in previous podcasts he suffers with dyslexia. This guy is pouring his heart out, laying out all his demons but you’re quibbling about some trivial grammar issue. What the fuck are you on?

More than a few spelling mistakes in your comment aswell

[@samsimpson565]

Why have you deleted my comment?

[@TheCAPTAINDESTROYER]

No mistakes actually, by me.

[@thegreasystrangler7012]

👍👍👍👍

[@praisekingjesusforever5494]

John 11.25-26 Jesus said unto her I AM the resurrection and the life he that believes in me though he were dead yet shall he live and whosoever lives and belives in me shall never die believest thou this Amen

[@bluey7007]

Didumms

Is merson still banging on about his gambling😂😂give it a rest dude

[@philbrainy2399]

You can’t say that! You have to call him a brave man for speaking out ! 😂😂😂

😂😂hes mind numbing mate wish he would get back on it and shut the fcuk up

[@DT-rb7ro]

He lost 7 million quid!

Really?7million is it now? I remeber this story when it was 4 million,his fairytales go up with inflation😂

[@JCT-u7k]

He lost a lot of money. And he states its a illness. Good for him. Its a warning to others. This can destroy you.

[@ianhunter412]

You lost me regarding Toney and bellyaching about his ban He bet on FOOTBALL and his own teams outcome!!! He knows the rules and could have gambled on horses so your point doesn’t hold any water!

[@kanofcola984]

The messed up thing is that your KZbin advert in this podcast was Ladbrokes gambling. Disgusting