Who is Paul Merson and is he married?
PAUL Merson has forged a successful career both on and off the football pitch.
As both a player and a pundit, Merson has left his mark on the sport - here's everything you need to know about the former Arsenal legend.
Who is Paul Merson?
Paul Merson, 54, born March 20, 1968, is an English former professional footballer, manager, commentator and sports television pundit for Sky Sports.
Merson forged a distinguished career as a football player.
After hanging up his boots, he carried on working in the sport - this time as a match reporter and regular pundit for Gillette Soccer Saturday, on Sky Sports.
He regularly shares his football expertise on camera and off, as he also has a weekly column for the Daily Star's 'Seriously Football' pullout every Saturday and predicts scores for the weeks premier league games called 'Merson Predicts'.
When did Paul Merson retire and who did he play for?
On March 9, 2006, Merson announced that his playing days were over and that he was retiring from the sport - but not without leaving his mark.
His distinguished career saw him play for Arsenal from 1985 to 1997 - during his time at the club he won the First Division - now Premier League, twice.
Despite finding his feet on the pitch, his career was put on the line in November 1994 when he admitted to having addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling.
The Football Association arranged for Merson to undergo a three-month rehabilitation programme and he returned to the side in February 1995.
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During his time at the Gunners, Merson made 423 appearances and scored 99 goals.
In 2008, Merson was ranked the 26th greatest Arsenal player of all-time in a fan poll published by the club's official website.
The attacking midfielder also played for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Walsall - becoming player-manager at the latter.
Merson also turned out 21 times for England, taking part in the 1998 World Cup where they lost to Argentina in the infamous penalty shootout.
Is Paul Merson married and does he have any children?
He is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife.
The ex-Arsenal star previously wed Lorraine Costin and Louise.
The Sky Sports pundit has eight children - including twin girls.
His son Sam from his first marriage with Lorraine, also followed in his fathers footsteps and he too went on to become a footballer.
He currently plays for St Albans City.
In 2021, The Sun the Sun told how his wife Kate gave him only a cash allowance after he gambled away their house deposit in a lockdown relapse.
What is Paul Merson's net worth?
According to idolnetworth , Paul Merson’s net worth is estimated at around $13 million.
This converts to just over £10 million in UK terms.
In 2021, it was reported that Merson's past issues with gambling, booze and drugs saw the Arsenal legend blow a staggering £7 million.
Merson went broke after cashing in on his £800,000 pension to allow him to go on a betting frenzy.
He once considered breaking his fingers to prevent him from phoning the bookies.
However, he has now recovered and continues to re-build his fortune.