Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery

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Read this book thinking it was just another football story, however the truth and honesty of the man came shining through. I stayed for a month and managed to kick the gambling, but as soon as I got back I swapped one addiction for another – drink. Both Arsenal and the Football Association made it clear that I’d have to have successful treatment and submit to frequent drug and alcohol tests if I ever wanted to play football again. After joining Aston Villa in 1998, Merson went on to become club captain and played for the team in the 2000 FA Cup Final, the last to be held at the original Wembley Stadium. Since retiring from professional play in 2006, Paul has made his mark as a memorable and well liked TV pundit.

Paul Merson breaks down in tears as Susanna Reid reads Paul Merson breaks down in tears as Susanna Reid reads

It is amazing how selfish addicts are and while it is great Paul can tell his story openly there is not much consideration given to the impact of his actions had on the lives of the people around him. Merson is often the target of good-humoured jabs from Jeff Stelling and other members of the Soccer Saturday panel; for example, in his attempts to pronounce the names of foreign players. In January 2020, Merson spoke about how his drink, drug and gambling habits fuelled his struggles with mental health. Former footballer Paul Merson broke down in tears on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain as he discussed his gambling addiction. Merson, the former England and Arsenal forward, became visibly emotional in the studio when presenter Susanna Reid read out an extract from his memoir, Hooked.

It is absolutely unflinching in detailing his emotional and psychological troughs and in raking over the painful embers of an adult life blighted by such debilitating issues. Wolves fan found guilty of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand during clash with Manchester United in 2021. I stayed clean for three years, but relapsed into gambling and drinking after transferring to Middlesbrough. I feel he covers the same ground repeatedly here and maybe that is the point but it doesn't make for interesting reading. When I was in Orlando with my wife and two little children, it was the happiest I have been in years because I wasn't gambling, I hate myself when I gamble.

Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery (Audio Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery (Audio

In July 2003 he signed a two-year deal at Walsall in the First Division, paying compensation to Portsmouth for his remaining year of contract. I was doing a couple of grams down the pub, then many more at home, sitting in the dark gambling, drinking and snorting until I was driven to the brink of madness.CARABAO CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW: Newcastle face ANOTHER tough tie after knocking out both Manchester clubs as. PLAYER RATINGS: Anonymous Anthony Martial is one of two Man United players to get just FOUR out of 10 after.

Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery

I didn’t want to live like this and I didn’t want to die like this either, strung out on booze, coke and paranoia.

Erik ten Hag has reached his lowest point yet at Manchester United… his team were PATHETIC in their 3-0. An exceptional account of Paul Merson's own struggle with three addictions, namely gambling, drink and drugs. Beginning his career at Arsenal in 1984 as an apprentice, Paul made his debut for the side in 1986 against Manchester City, before becoming a permanent figure on the team towards the late eighties. Alcohol, drugs, gambling: a desperately unenviable cocktail of addictions and depression which has plagued his entire adult life and driven him to the verge of suicide.

Book Paul Merson | Speaker Agent - Champions Speakers Book Paul Merson | Speaker Agent - Champions Speakers

A leading football speaker, Paul Merson is undoubtedly one of the characters of football, enjoying a successful professional football career as well as turning his hand to managerial and punditry work. An amazing sports speaker, Paul ensures the whole audience feel a part of his journey in professional football and enjoys engaging with the crowd and putting his punditry work to use during talks about the game.Originally a forward, Merson found success as an attacking midfielder and playmaker later in his career. After a difficult first season in management, Merson's position at Walsall looked more secure as the club entered the 2005–06 season; however, he was unable to lift Walsall out of the relegation zone, and with the club in 19th place, he was sacked on 6 February 2006 after his Walsall side lost 5–0 to Brentford at Griffin Park.