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How old is Paul Merson, who is his wife, and did the ex-Arsenal midfielder have a drinking and gambling addiction?


PAUL MERSON is one of the former England internationals putting on their football boots once again in Harry Redknapp’s TV show Harry’s Heroes.

The former Arsenal midfielder will line up along with the likes of David Seaman, Matt Le Tissier, Ray Parlour and Robbie Fowler to face their old foes, Germany.

 Paul Merson will be among a number of former England stars taking part in TV show Harry's Heroes

Paul Merson will be among a number of former England stars taking part in TV show Harry’s Heroes

How old is Paul Merson?

The Londoner was born March 20, 1968 – meaning he is aged 52.

Merson had a distinguished career as a player, winning the First Division – now Premier League – twice with Arsenal.

The attacking midfielder also played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall – becoming player-manager at the latter.

Merson also turned out 21 times for England, taking part in the 1998 World Cup where they lost to Argentina in the infamous penalty shootout.

Nowadays, he is most notably seen as one of the panellists on Gillette Soccer Saturday, covering one of the headline matches for Sky Sports.

Merson also co-hosts their Fantasy Football Club programme alongside Max Rushden.

 Paul Merson is now most known for reporting on matches on Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky Sports

Paul Merson is now most known for reporting on matches on Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky SportsCredit: Rex Features

Who is his wife?

He is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife – the ex-Arsenal star previously wed Lorraine Costin and Louise.

The Sky Sports pundit has seven children including a set of twin girls.

Meanwhile, his son Sam from his first marriage with Lorraine, is a footballer, currently turning out for St Albans City in National League South.

 Paul Merson struggled with alcoholism, drugs and gambling addiction during his football career

Paul Merson struggled with alcoholism, drugs and gambling addiction during his football careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Did he have a drinking and gambling addiction?

Merson’s career was often blighted by his addiction to alcohol and betting, along with drugs.

In October 2011, he was involved in a car crash with a lorry, where he was later arrested for drink-driving.

His first wife Lorraine has recalled how she was unaware that he had gambled away £7million worth – but was never in any financial trouble.

Merson’s childhood sweetheart also claims that he is still afflicted by his addiction and has not yet got a handle on it.

In March 2019, he thanked fans for their support after admitting that his gambling addiction left him feeling “like a crack addict”.

Is he part of Harry’s Heroes?

Merson took part in the ITV show Harry’s Heroes: The Full English, which aired in 2019.

Viewers praised him for candidly revealing he wanted to kill himself over gambling and drugs addiction.

The show pitted a team of England legends from the 1990s against their German counterparts.

The veteran Three Lions side was coached by former West Ham and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp was tasked with getting the team of unfit England footie heroes back in shape and back into the Three Lions shirts they wore with pride in their heyday.

And the second season Harry’s Heroes: Euro Having a Laugh is coming back to our screens with three episodes in total.

The first episode is on Monday 18 May at 9pm, the second on Tuesday 19 May and the big finale all the same time on Wednesday 20 May.

The series will also be available on ITV Player.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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