Paul Merson lost £7million through betting and went to bookies while wife was in labour

Paul Merson lost £7million through betting and went to bookies while his first wife was in labour. He also struggled with drink and drug addiction while playing for Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth. Merely playing football, he suffered from crippling anxiety as a child. He relapsed while at Middlesborough. The 53-year-old wrote about his struggles in the Daily Mail. It is a book about the life of a footballer. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 9090 or visit a local Samaritan branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.