Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson lost 7 million pounds to gambling addiction

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has disclosed the devastating extent of his gambling addiction, revealing he lost approximately 7 million pounds – all the money he earned during his career. Merson, who played over 320 games for Arsenal and 21 times for England, shared his struggles in recent interviews, detailing the profound personal and financial toll.

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It's sad what happened, but I was ill and that's the thing I've come to realize. I am a sick person trying to get well. I am not a bad person or a weak person who makes mistakes every day of my life, I was a sick person who had to get well very quickly.

"It's sad what happened, but I was ill and that's the thing I've come to realize. I am a sick person trying to get well. I am not a bad person or a weak person who makes mistakes every day of my life, I was a sick person who had to get well very quickly," Merson stated, reflecting on his illness.

Merson became emotional when a studio host read a passage from his book, "Hooked." He recounted how his gambling led him to lose the deposit saved for his family's new home, a moment that triggered suicidal thoughts. "I thought I want to kill myself. How could I do that? How could I gamble away the savings?" he shared, describing days spent on the couch watching his children, consumed by guilt.

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I thought I want to kill myself. How could I do that? How could I gamble away the savings?

The addiction cost him "houses, cars, marriages, entire estates, and self-respect." Merson finds solace and understanding among fellow recovering addicts, emphasizing the importance of their shared experiences. "I have to be around recovering addicts, recovering alcoholics, gamblers and drug addicts. They are people who understand me," he said.

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I have to be around recovering addicts, recovering alcoholics, gamblers and drug addicts. They are people who understand me.

Now 54, Merson credits his wife with helping him manage his finances, as she controls his money and gives him a daily allowance. She has blocked his phone to prevent gambling. Despite the ongoing challenges, Merson views his recovery as a positive example, particularly for his eight children. He acknowledges that his wife still lacks full trust due to past actions but relies on her financial management for his basic needs.

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My wife still has no trust in me because of what I did with the house deposit. She takes care of the money now. I get pocket money. I am 54 years old, but that's all I need. I can't have money on me.