He has also lost more than £7m to gambling in a life dogged by addiction.

 

In a new film Paul Merson: เว็บบอล Football, Gambling & Me now available on BBC iPlayer, the 53-year-old sets out on a journey to try to understand where his compulsion comes from, explores why footballers may be more prone to risk than others, and what may need to be done by companies and the government.

 

Before its release, BBC Sport had a candid discussion with Merson about the film and the issues raised.