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'I wanted to kill myself last year' – Arsenal legend Merson opens up on depression & addiction

The former Gunners and England forward has spoken about his struggles and eventual recovery as the FA runs a campaign for mental health awareness

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has opened up on his struggles with mental illness and alcohol addiction, saying he planned on taking his own life before going sober.

After attending Alcoholics Anonymous, Merson is now approaching a full year without drinking alcohol.

This weekend’s FA Cup fixtures are kicking off one minute later than usual as part of an FA mental health campaign – encouraging fans to ‘Take A Minute’ as part of the ‘Heads Up’ campaign around mental wellbeing.