Merson was idolised at Arsenal - where he admitted to and was treated for alcohol and gambling addictions.

The former England international - he won 21 caps and scored three goals - played 427 games for the club where he started his career, netting 98 goals. Actually made his League debut during a short loan spell with Brentford in January 1987.

Won a glittering array of honours with the Arse under George Graham, including the all the major domestic honours and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Graham's exit from Arsenal also hastened Merson's departure, and in the summer of 1997 he joined Bryan Robson's Middlesbrough for a fee of £4.5m. Was a star as Boro won promotion back into the top flight and reached the League Cup final.

However, he moved on to Aston Villa for £6.75m in September 1998. His natural class was not always apparent in some subdued early performances, but he eventually became a real favourite at Villa Park. Was named Player of the Year for 1999/2000 and 2000/01.

Suffered an injury hit 2001/02, and when he returned to pre-season training not fully fit their were rumours that Graham Taylor would look to off-load the ageing star.

Merson had to pull out of the club's InterToto Cup opener with FC Zurich in July 2002 after admitting he had not followed a fitness programme for the summer.

Taylor insisted he had no problem with the London-born midfielder, but even Merson admits he is likely to have to find a new club when his contract expires in the summer of 2003.