"He tucked the blankets under my chin and said sorry" - Paul McGrath's touching Jack Charlton story 

How can you not love Paul? Absolute national treasure.

Very genuine and humble man is Paul. Not afraid to mention his flaws. What a player on The big occasion.

Paul, we, the Irish, love you. But everyone loves you. Please accept the fact we treasure you so much!

Paul McGrath has the most beautiful voice. So relaxing and soothing.

Paul, we don't love you just because you where a great player. We love you because you are flawed and a great player. Perfection is not relatable, struggle is. Hope you are well Paul.

Met Paul back in the early 2000s in my hometown. Great chat & even signed a few things for me. Months later I was out with my at the time wife in a Restaurant in South Dublin & Paul approached our table just to say hi. Lovely chap, the real deal.

Such an honest man. Many of his performances for Ireland were without equal.

I honestly believe big Jack’s influence over time saved Paul’s life, I think Jack did love him as a son especially when he knew his story....thanks for posting.

Remember when he put baggio in his pocket... He was unreal in that game... sublime !

Once met Paul McGrath at Liverpool Academy in the late 90s, can’t speak highly enough of him. Pure gentleman and a chance meeting that will always stay in my memory. He was like one of those people whom you meet once and feel like you’ve known him for years. Top Top Bloke.

In my opinion, he’s one of the best defenders to ever play the game. Ian Rush says so too.

He was a father figure to him. So gentle how he speaks of Big Jack.

Greatest player to ever wear the Irish shirt

Big Jack did love Paul because he was world class.

I was a teenager in Ireland in the 90s…a magical time….thanks to you & Jack Charlton..& the team…& I do appreciate it ❤️❤️💚💚

Jack loved Paul

Met Paul outside villa park in the late 80’s while he was a Man Utd player, the game had started already against the villa and Paul spoke to me …. Can’t get a bloody taxi round here, we both smiled. Really nice guy

What a player.

What a really fine player . And a pretty decent guy too by all accounts

Great player ! We will never have a player like him ireland that is!

I'm a liverpool fan an I've always liked him even though he played for the Manc shte

Best centre half I’ve ever seen live.

Best defender i ever did see. Jack Charlton was the perfect manager for him. But that performance against Italy. Became a God that day.

I love Paul McGrath!

Absolutely love Paul McGrath,1 of our best ever!!

One of the most underrated players to play, a warrior even though he had his personal problems.

Amongst the very very best I saw. Cannavaro. Passarella Baresi McGrath No doubts.

I would recommend his books. A great insight onto a great player.

Javk Charlton was a hell of a manager and a all time great central defender... Tall and skinny with big thighs and he was the quickest one in that great Leeds team over 100 yds....

Did not expect that story wow ! Amazing

Paul and Phil Babb were amazing together,

He was amazing and God love him

Ooh agh Paul McGrath, love you Paul.

Got to meet him when he was at Sheffield United, myself and another irish lad brought in to meet him, we were blown away as he casually chatted with us both. Never forget those few minutes

Jack Charlton no irishman would say a bad word about him , an honorary irishman we all saluted sleep well you brightened my childhood . He did save Paul mc grath from oblivion .

I can't stop watching his performance v Diego Maradona legend

love this man . met him once , pure gentlemen

Legend

An incredible centre half and footballer, world class in fact, just imagine how good he'd have been if he trained properly and didn't have his own personal issues to deal with, what a player.

Respect

Hate Villa but love Mcgrath, proper player ! More importantly a proper bloke! Good luck mate!

Proper player

Charlton was the best thing to happen to RoI football at that time.

Greatest Number 5

I first watched him in his time with Villa where he was the master, what a man Paul is.

“He called me James so many times I used to think well what happens when he calls me Paul again” brilliant 😂

What a player. Man had a drink problem. No self confidence. 2 bad knees. Couldn't train. And was still 1 of the best players ive ever seen,!

My God 💚

WOW NEVER HAD HIM DOWN AS TALKING LIKE THAT I DIDNT REALISE HE WAS ACTUALLY IRISH ,😂 WHAT A NICE DUDE

Had the knees of an 80 year old, but oozed class, top player.

Man Utd’s best defender.

Two Bogey knees but still better than most defenders in the modern game legend Paul

He called Liam Brady Ian 😂

Just Decent. I hope he’s ditched those demons

I didn’t realise ‘how hard you got it ‘ proper working class English man Paul did have it rough two gents

magrath and baresi the best in the world at the time

Just a couple of pints 2:14 😂😂😂

Second best Aston Villian ever

God

Watch the peter crouch podcast where he meets prince william no less in buckingham palace. William a Villa fan. Asked who his football heroes are he says simply "Paul McGrath".

What a footballer! Arguably the greatest defender of all time. That's how God he was. 😉

This the GOAT right here. Him and Ferdinand are in my opinion the two GOAT central defenders to ever do it. If you don’t believe me watch Paul vs Maradona and Ferdinand vs the Brazilians Ronaldo and Robinho

This is proven psychology ...colour is the most easy thing to remember .

Never heard of him..😂😂

Certain people with an agenda try to rewrite history and do Jack down, but he had a massive impact on us all, myself included as a child following the whole thing to the mighty Paul McGrath who we all worshipped never knowing the difficulties he was facing. My Mam brought me and my brothers to the airport to welcome them home after the WC..was great to see them on top of the bus, wonderful memories.

Misleading title, he didn't say sorry.

Like Jack Paul is a true gentleman.

Paul was as good as Beckanbaur.

Compare Paul McGrath with the greatest ever troubled English ‘legend’ that they all slabber-on about….

This guy has been telling the same snore of a story about his troubled life for the last thirty years

Paul mc Grath has always been my biggest hero

Piws is purple in welsh

Legend