Paul Merson shares emotional message as soccer legend opens up on 'dark days'

Paul Merson has announced that he is now seven years sober in a touching message on social media; the Arsenal icon has bravely battled addiction throughout his life, including alcoholism and gambling

Paul Merson has spoken to fans on social media(Image: Getty Images)

Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson has revealed he is now seven years sober in a heartfelt message on social media.

The soccer legend has bravely fought addiction throughout his life, particularly with alcohol and gambling. In a video shared on his official X account on Wednesday, the former Arsenal, Brentford, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, and Walsall midfielder confirmed he hasn't touched a drink since 2019 and expressed gratitude to those who supported him in reaching this milestone.

Merson wrote: "7 years sober today. thank u to everyone who as supported and helped me this far one day at a time."

In the accompanying video, he said: "Hi everybody, hope everybody is well. I just want to share that I'm seven years sober today, and I just want to thank everybody that's helped me along the way.

"Some real dark days, bad days, but they have been majorly outweighed by the good days. But I just want to say a big thank you to everybody who supported me at that time.

"I just want to say a big thank you. Everybody have a great day and live in the day."

Paul Merson during his soccer career(Image: Getty Images)

The 57-year-old has previously spoken candidly about his struggle with alcoholism. He bravely recalled the turning point when he knew he had to address the problem back in 2020.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I'd had enough. I'd had enough of the life I was living. I'd been into treatment twice before. First of all, The FA sent me in 1993/94, and I had to go, then it was with Walsall. And it was like I was being forced to go; it wasn't me.

"January 16th, last year (2019), I was walking home from the British Legion on a Sunday evening, and it was about 11pm, and I thought, 'I've had enough of feeling like this every day of my life.'

"I don't know what it was, it just happened, and I rang up Alcoholics Anonymous the next day, and since then I haven't had a drink, thank God."

Merson is regarded as an Arsenal icon, having turned out 417 times for the North London outfit, netting 99 goals.

During his time with the Gunners, he secured two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Following his departure from the club in 1997, he played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall. Merson also earned 21 caps for England throughout his playing days.

Since hanging up his boots, Merson has focused on a media career, establishing himself as a regular pundit on Sky Sports.