Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on former Arsenal and England forward Paul Merson after he opened up on his battles with addiction on hit show ‘Harry’s Heroes: The Full English’.
Merson was part Redknapp’s rabble of out-of-shape former pros, tasked with shedding the pounds ahead of one last swansong match against arch rivals Germany for the ITV documentary.
The show, which saw the likes of Robbie Fowler, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, Matt Le Tissier, Ray Parlour and Lee Sharpe kick their beer and burger habits to undergo 12 weeks of intensive training and dieting, was a huge hit.
ITV
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Harry Redknapp and his team of retired England stars
But amid all the fun, games and dressing room banter, there were some serious messages touched on by the former stars about addiction, mental and physical health.
One of the hardest-hitting moments saw David Seaman and Robbie Fowler speak with Paul Merson about the issues he has had in his life.
Merson infamously lost £7million to his drug, alcohol and gambling problems during the 1990s, and the former Arsenal star was later seen breaking down when speaking about his troubles, having slipped back into old habits during filming of the program.
“I’m struggling with life at the moment, struggling badly,†Merson said in an emotional scene.
“Life’s fallen apart – gambling… I’ve just completely lost control again. I’m digging a hole – I can’t get out of it.
“It’s the worst addiction in the world.”
ITV
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Paul Merson breaks down in tears as he talks about his gambling addiction
Support for Merson poured out on social media, with fans praising his bravery and willingness to speak openly about his struggles, and they later celebrated with him when he scored a 90th minute goal to seal a 4-2 win over the Germans.
And Redknapp joined talkSPORT host Alan Brazil and David Seaman on Wednesday’s Sports Breakfast to heap further praise on the Three Lions ace.
“David, you know as well as anyone, from all those years playing with him, what a great lad Merse is,†said the gaffer.
“The lads did great with the time they spent talking to him and helping him out.
“It’s a difficult one when you have demons like that. Gambling is difficult.
“We all love a bet, I know I do, but it’s all about keeping it in moderation, that’s the key.
“Enjoy it, but don’t let it ruin your life.â€
During the show, Merson missed the team’s training camp in Spain over his relapse and was filmed meeting former journeyman striker Drewe Broughton, who also battled with addiction.
Merson told him: “If I’m being honest, I’m struggling at the moment, really am, with the gambling.
“I find it very difficult. I’m back to virtually where I was many years ago.
“I’m just sort of like constantly gambling all the time and I don’t like myself. And it’s scary.
“My life should be good. It should be good. It should be like, two lovely kids, a lovely wife and my life should be good.
“And it’s literally going like that and I mean quickly and worryingly.
“In the cab on the way here I broke down. I’ve had enough.”
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Paul Merson is now a pundit on Sky Sports and regular guest on talkSPORT
He added: “It’s got to that stage now. There’s got to be something wrong with me.
“I’ve been in treatment, I’ve done it a few times. I’ve been to Arizona.
“You know what, it was unbelievable at the time. It was unbelievable what they did, and that’s what scares me that I still went back and done what I’ve done now.”
Listen back to Harry Redknapp on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above
GamCare provides free support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem. It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling. MORE INFO HERE
Harry Redknapp rounded up ex-England footballers for a light-hearted fitness documentary in Harry's Heroes: The Full English. Gareth Southgate must be wishing they were 20 years younger.
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Harry Redknapp praises ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson for opening up on gambling addition on hit TV show Harry Redknapp has heaped praise on former Arsenal and England forward Paul Merson after he opened up on his battles with addiction on hit show 'Harry's Heroes: The Full English'.
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