Paul Merson thanks fans after opening up on gambling addiction

Merson has thanked people for their support

Sky Sports pundit and former footballer Paul Merson has admitted that his life has "fallen apart" due to gambling on upcoming ITV documentary Harry's Heroes: The Full English. On the show fronted by Harry Redknapp, in which the manager attempts to get a team of unfit ex-footballers from the 1990s back into shape, Merson opened up about his issues with addiction. While on a fishing trip with David Seaman and Robbie Fowler on the show, an emotional Merson says: "I’m struggling with life at the moment. Gambling. I’ve lost control completely again." Merson struggled with addiction throughout his career, and has previously revealed that he had blown thousands on gambling during his playing days. On Thursday Merson tweeted: "Thank you for the supportive tweets, means the world to me." "Taking one day at a time but it's getting better for me. "Addiction is the most lonely of places and I've had three of the worst types over three decades. "Never be afraid to talk, you're never alone." https://twitter.com/PaulMerse/status/1106142870476673025 After filming ended, the ex-Arsenal striker also confirmed that he had returned to treatment, saying: "I am back at AA. I have been going for nine weeks and my life is better. I had a meltdown, but it was for the good."