“They remember me, I can’t believe it” - Paul Merson turns emotional after watching Arsenal fan wearing his shirt at north London derby

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson struggled to contain his emotions, as a fan wearing his jersey was spotted.

Merson played 11 seasons for the Gunners, including five in the Premier League, between 1986 and 1997, scoring 99 times in 417 games across competitions. Twenty-eight of his seventy-eight league strikes came in the Premier League.

Since hanging up his boots in 2006, the 56-year-old has delved into management and is now a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. While covering Arsenal's 3-2 league win at Spurs on Sunday (April 28), the two-time league winner with the Gunners got emotional when he saw a fan wearing his jersey during the north London derby.

After Sky showed a fan wearing a Gunners jersey with Merson's name on it, the latter struggled for words, exclaiming:

"They remember me, I can't believe it!"

Coming to the game Merson was covering, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's 15th-minute own goal put the Gunners into the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage 12 minutes later.

Kai Havertz made it 3-0 seven minutes before the interval as Mikel Arteta's side were in cruise control. Spurs improved after the break, with Cristian Romero (64') reducing arrears.

Captain Son Heung-Min made it 2-3 for Spurs from the spot three minutes from time. But an equaliser wasn't to be, as Arteta's side went four points clear at the top with three games left. However, second-placed Manchester City have two games in hand.

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What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are in the midst of a superb season despite falling early in both domestic cups. On their UEFA Champions League return after six years, the Gunners reached the quarterfinals, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.

However, they have fared better in the league. Having led the standings for a record 248 days last season before running out of steam, the Gunners are in pole position to end their two-decade league drought.

Having won their last three league games, Arteta's side next take on Bournemouth on Saturday (May 4). However, winning three remaining games won't be enough to win the league unless City - chasing an unprecedented four-peat - drop points.