Who is Strictly Come Dancing contestant Paul Merson? Meet the Arsenal legend and Sky Sports commentator by taking part in the BBC lounge show – The US Sun

PAUL MERSON is a football legend but he will soon be heading to Strictly Come Dancing.

Meet the man who wants to see if his soccer ball skills will help him move his feet on the dance floor.

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Who is Paul Merson?

Paul Merson is an English former professional football player, coach, commentator and sports broadcaster.

Born on March 20, 1968, in London, he joined Arsenal as an apprentice in 1984.

In 1989 he was a regular starter on the right wing and played eleven seasons for the football club.

After retiring, he continued working in sport – as a match reporter and commentator for Sky Sports.

Now that he’s hung up his boots, he’s putting on his dancing shoes and heading to Strictly.

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 illustrious career saw him play for Arsenal from 1985 to 1997 – during his time the club won the First Division – now the Premier League, twice.

His career was put in jeopardy in November 1994 when he admitted to being addicted to alcohol, drugs and gambling.

The Football Association arranged for Merson to undergo a three-month rehabilitation program and he returned to the team in February 1995.

In 2008, Merson was ranked as Arsenal’s 26th greatest player of all time in a fan poll published by the club’s official website.

Merson also participated in the 1998 World Cup, where he lost to Argentina in the infamous penalty shootout.

Is Paul Merson married with children?

He is currently married to Kate Merson, his third wife.

The former Arsenal star was previously married to Lorraine Costin and Louise.

The Sky Sports commentator has eight children – including twin girls.

His son Sam, from his first marriage to Lorraine, also followed in his father’s footsteps and also became a football player.

He currently plays for St Albans City.

In 2021, The Sun told how his wife Kate only gave him a cash allowance after he threw away his house deposit in a lockdown relapse.