5 Footballers who battled gambling problems

#4 Paul Merson

The former Arsenal midfielder has also battled problems with drugs and alcohol

The former Arsenal man has failed to conquer his gambling demons losing as much as £7 million due to gambling debts. He even had to give up his £300,000 home after failing to make payments on his mortgage.

Merson is now a pundit on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday recently admitted in a new ITV documentary that his his well-publicised addiction has once again relapsed.

I’ve just completely lost control, I’ve completely, again. I’m digging a hole - I can’t get out of it. It’s the worst addiction in the world.” said Merson.

#5 Keith Gillespie

Gillespie admits staking more than £100,000 a day during gambling obsession

Former Manchester United, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers winger is another who’s taken to gambling. Gillespie made millions of pounds during his playing career but ended up losing most of his estimated £7.2 million fortune. In 2010 he was declared bankrupt.

Recently, he decided to carve out a new future by becoming a football agent. In 2017, he launched the OneTwo agency alongside former Irish League player Brian Adair.