Merson's goon and lost the lot

TROUBLED soccer star Paul Merson is bankrupt.

The fallen ace’s low came after he failed to meet £900 monthly car repayments.

It is the latest blow to the 39-year-old, who has a history of problems with drink, drugs and gambling.

Former Arsenal midfielder Merson — a favourite with Gooner fans — used to earn £20,000 a week.

It emerged that he was declared insolvent at Birmingham County Court on April 25.

Merson — who once claimed to have gambled away £7million over the years — is also thought to have fresh betting losses.

The star has struggled to earn a living since being sacked last year as boss of Walsall FC — but does occasional TV pundit work.

In his career with Arsenal he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Euro Cup Winners’ Cup where, in 1994, he made his infamous drinking gesture to fans.

Merson later confessed to a triple addiction of booze, betting and cocaine.

He went into rehab and afterwards sobbed: “I have messed up my life. I cannot have another drink — ever.”

Then in 1997 his wife of 14 years, Lorraine, threatened divorce after he cheated on her.

She took him back but in 2000 Merson blew £10,000 on one snooker bet. Lorraine — who has three sons with Merson — found out from a bank statement and got a divorce due to his “unreasonable behaviour”.

At the time Lorraine said: “He will bet on anything and it causes terrible mood swings. Paul’s like a Jekyll and Hyde.”

Merson, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, West Mids, also saw his second marriage to Louise — with whom he has twin girls — fail due to his gambling.

Merson is still liable for maintenance payments to Lorraine and Louise.

Last night the man who played 21 times for England was unavailable for comment.