Larry Ryan: Paul Merson opens up about his battle with society's giant problem - gambling

Even when baring his soul, Paul Merson is entertainingly fluent in the language of football. The Merse’s new book, Hooked, is frank, sometimes funny, often horrifying.

Paul Merson: Opens up about addiction in his new book. Picture: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

“Gambling was always the sleeping giant of addictions for me.”

Even when baring his soul, Paul Merson is entertainingly fluent in the language of football.