Paul Merson
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Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has defended himself after facing criticism from fans who questioned his status as a club legend upon learning he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter.
Merson, 57, made 417 appearances for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, winning two league titles and two domestic cups before going on to play for Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Walsall, and Tamworth.
Despite his decorated Arsenal career, the Sky Sports pundit revealed he has received backlash from supporters who argued his Chelsea allegiance disqualified him from being considered a Gunners great.
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In a video shared on X, Merson addressed the criticism directly, insisting his loyalty as a player was never in doubt.
Should never change your team hope Arsenal fans understand 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2a6pmyBjcL
— Paul Merson (@PaulMerse) August 25, 2025
“I’ve been taking a lot of stick from Arsenal fans because I support Chelsea,” he said. “You just don’t change your team from when you’re six years of age. I had the best time ever at Arsenal, absolutely loved it. Arsenal are in my heart, I look at Arsenal’s results all the time.
“People say, ‘you’re not a legend now.’ I never asked to be a legend. All I did was give my absolute all for Arsenal, played over 400 matches, scored 99 goals, and loved every bit of it.”
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Merson also defended the idea of lifelong allegiance to a football club, arguing that switching teams is inauthentic.
“I supported Chelsea at six years of age, you don’t change. You shouldn’t change. If you change a club, well, that’s just not right,” he added. “But Arsenal will always be special to me. It’s a Rolls Royce of a football club.”
Merson’s comments come as he continues his punditry career with Sky Sports, where he has been a regular face on Soccer Saturday. Despite the fan debate, his contribution to Arsenal’s history remains significant, with more than a decade of service in north London and nearly 100 goals to his name.
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