Viewers praise Paul Merson as he opens up about addiction on the Tommy Tiernan Show

The former football star played for Arsenal and England

Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson appeared on the Tommy Tiernan show as he spoke about a number of topics including addiction and his career.

Merson opened up about the gambling addiction he has faced and how it has affected his life in the long run.

The 55-year-old began his playing career for Arsenal in 1985 before going on to play for England, Aston Villa and Portsmouth to name a few sides.

Read More Paul Merson makes bold Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction - "I wouldn't be surprised"

He also had a short managerial career taking over Walsall from 2004 to 2006.

Merson said he struggled to live in the moment during his playing days and gave his account of Michael Thomas’ to win the league in a dramatic ending to the 1989 season that saw Arsenal pip Liverpool to the league title.

“That’s the thing with football, you’ve got to live in the moment,” he said.

“I never lived in the moment. I never in my whole career, only to the later end, at Portsmouth, Villa. People say to me ‘What was it like when you won the league in ’89?’ I dunno. I don’t because it was always looking for the next.”

He added: “It was a miracle. Even now, I still think when we was going up there, I was thinking ‘Just don’t get beat by a lot.’ It was the best Liverpool team I ever played against.

“We was melting at the time and to go up there, you know that Liverpool team was the Tiger Woods of football, a bit like Man City now where if you finish above them, you're winning the league. You're not gonna finish above Man City and not win the league, it was the same with Liverpool.”

Viewers of the show took to social media to voice their appreciation for the football pundit.

“If you haven't watched 'Paul Merson: gambling and me', it's a must-see. I was so angry watching it, we have a lot of young sportsmen in this country at risk of becoming addicted to gambling. Can't believe ads are still allowed..,” wrote one viewer.

Another said: “Paul Merson’s honesty is humbling. Addiction is the toughest ball to play.”

“A very honest, courageous and raw interview by Paul Merson. Gambling is by far the worst addiction as it's hidden. You can lose everything in a moment or a click of a button. Top bloke”

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