Arsenal legend Paul Merson has announced that he is now seven years sober, sharing a touching video message on social media. The 57-year-old former England international has bravely battled addiction throughout his life, including alcoholism and gambling.
In a video posted on his official Twitter account, Merson revealed that he has not had a drink since 2019 and thanked those who supported him. He said: "Some real dark days, bad days but they have been majorly outweighed by the good days."
Merson previously opened up about the moment he realised he needed to change. Speaking to Sky Sports in 2020, he recalled walking home from the British Legion in January 2019 and feeling he had "had enough of feeling like this every day". He contacted Alcoholics Anonymous the next day and has remained sober since.
Merson made 417 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 99 goals and winning two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup. He later played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall, and earned 21 caps for England.
Since retiring, Merson has become a regular pundit on Sky Sports, turning his attention to a career in the media.
