“I always thought I was a bad person trying to be good.”
Viewers praised former footballer and pundit Paul Merson after he opened up about his struggle with addiction on The Tommy Tiernan Show on Saturday night.
Throughout his playing career, the former Arsenal legend has been vocal in his fight against addiction to drink, drugs and gambling.
Mr Merson said the drinking culture of footballers at the time and their high wages created the perfect environment for addiction to form.
Tommy Tiernan viewers praise Paul Merson for opening up about his addiction
The Sky Sports pundit opened the interview by saying that in the early stages of his addiction he didn’t know he was a sick person, adding: “I always thought I was a bad person trying to be a good person.” added.
Merson said his addiction was “functional” during his time as a professional soccer player, meaning he never missed training. He said, “Even though he would leave at five o’clock in the morning, he would be training by ten o’clock.”
Melson, who played for Arsenal from 1985 to 1997, added that heavy drinking was “the norm” among footballers at the time.
“Playing on the pitch in front of 30,000 to 40,000 people and scoring a goal or winning gives you a rush of adrenaline.
“When you get off the pitch, I couldn’t get off. I had to stay there, but then either the booze or the gambling or the drugs keep you that high. It was a boat.”
Tonight’s first guest is #Tommy Tiernan Show Paul Merson is a former professional soccer player, manager and sports commentator.@Tommedian @PaulMerse pic.twitter.com/Xn6TrOH6dc
— RTÉOne (@RTEOne) February 3, 2024
Merson also opened up about when he started taking cocaine in 1993, saying: “I tried cocaine in February and by November I was on my knees.”
He added: “I’m playing for Arsenal and England and I’m sitting in a crack house. And there will be people coming in to score and they were like ‘It can’t be him’.”
The 55-year-old said he twice tried to end his life during his darkest moments and drank every day until he was 50.
But now, five years after being sober, Marson says he’s in a better place in life, saying, “Someone might be watching at home and think, ‘That’s me,’ so I always We’re talking openly and honestly.” “Maybe I have a drinking problem” or “Maybe I gamble too much?”
Paul Merson picked up the League Cup and Man of the Match trophy after the 1993 final. (Getty Images)
Viewers were full of praise for the former soccer player’s openness about his struggles.
One said: “As an Arsenal fan, one of my favorite players with pure natural talent. I love his integrity and the way he faces his demons. A great example for all of us.” Well done Merce!”
Another said: “To talk so openly about addiction and self-doubt. Helped so many people tonight. Addiction – the silent family killer.”
Another said: “What a great interview! What a tough life of addiction for addicts and those around them.”
Related Links: