"I was blessed to become a footballer” | Paul McGrath on addiction, Sir Alex Ferguson & Aston Villa

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The Premier League's first PFA Player of the Year Paul McGrath shares his powerful story, reflecting on his career and personal battles. McGrath talks openly about his departure from Manchester United and his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson. He also discusses his struggles with alcohol addiction, how it affected his life on and off the pitch, and how he used alcohol as a way to cope with social situations. Finally, McGrath reveals his deep affection for Aston Villa, the club that became his true footballing home.
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Опубликовано:

12 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 425

@filwarby632 5 дней назад

Paul McGrath was an unbelievable player. Right up there with the likes of Franco Baresi and Paulo Maldini.

@matty6762 5 дней назад

Absolutely 💯

@jkutv 5 дней назад

God.

@josiahjames429 5 дней назад

Definitely

@gar8860 5 дней назад

That game against Italy at the USA 94 World Cup….sensational performance

@mrpotato442 4 дня назад

Agreed...for anyone that hasn't seen it watch his performance vs Italy in the World Cup in 1994. Still the best defensive display I've ever seen to this day.

@kerrymandanny8135 5 дней назад

That Ireland Italy game in 94 was the best performance ive ever seen. From a player with bad knees hungover he gave the Italians nightmares.

@Standard_Jay 3 дня назад

McGrath was pushing 35 at the time too

@thebillryan 3 дня назад

Was truly masterful in controlling the wonderful Baggio. One of the greats. And a lovely man.

@IrelandFAI День назад

We will never forget!

@EoinFe 6 дней назад

An Irish legend and a true gentleman! Wishing you all the best Paul and was always great to watch you play.

@CEO786 4 дня назад

Thanks appreciate it .

@DerekHarrison-d5d 2 дня назад

Paul was an absolute legend.Him and Martin Buchan in their primes would have been a formidable central defensive partnership for United.His autobiography was an eye opener,but it showed what he overcame to become the player he became.A true legend.

@blockysplacocker 5 дней назад

Paul is loved and worshipped as God down the Villa from old supporters like me who watched the great man play, to the younger Villans who know his name and hear the stories. Personally i have never ever seen a player who could read the game better than Paul. A true giant and legend of the game.

@rob1969in 4 дня назад

I remember the documentary about Jack Charlton's fight with dementia and the smile that came across his face when he saw a video of Paul, poor Jack's memory had gone but he had a brief recollection of his time with Paul ,it was lovely,and shows what Paul meant to him.

@Colin_Power 2 дня назад

@@rob1969in yeah that was a golden moment impossible to fake. The love was massive between those 2

@simonkyle2009 День назад

I remember that , couldn't recolect anybody Italia 90 but remembered paul , very heart warming monent

@geoffhindley9402 4 дня назад

He had nothing to prove to united fans .we loved him. Absolute warrior..

@rigsby1454 5 дней назад

An absolute giant. That performance against Italy in 94 is an all timer. The best defender

@danielhill4245 5 дней назад

No Paul - Football was blessed to have you. My footballing idol. You were an unbelievable footballer.

@skyliner6785 4 дня назад

When I get asked best defender ever Paul's my answer every time no thought needed

@ehsansabaghian5617 5 дней назад

You can see, hear and feel his tough life journey. He is a man who has rediscovered life and himself. Respect.

@Dontbeasheep33 5 дней назад

He obviously suffers with severe social anxiety & also an alcoholic to boot. Have to feel for him, imagine how much better he would have been if he was super confident skipper type. What a player he was.

@Nykona-Sharrowkyn 4 дня назад

I am a United supporter and absolutely loved watching Paul McGrath play, he was a brilliant center back

@Withcare111 4 дня назад

A United supporter ?haha 💩

@gordonward5050 3 дня назад

Simply the best defender I've seen man of the match week after week

@belfastconor8521 5 дней назад

Paul looks great and very healthy! Great to see. 🇮🇪

@ryanc9754 5 дней назад

One of the best defenders of all time, let alone premier league era. People who dont think hes not the best premier league cb havent seen him play. Guy was literally world class.

@Colin_Power 4 дня назад

in terms of timing and reading the play he was prime cannovarro level but add physicality and (noone can explain it ) speed

@Macca-rb5ok 5 дней назад

The greatest defender - bar none - of the Premier League era. Absolutely world class.

@paudieglynn3438 5 дней назад

Van Dijk is better by a country mile and I'm Irish

@ryanjohnston7844 5 дней назад

Not as good as stam.

@eoincasey5461 5 дней назад

tell me you know nothing about football without telling me you know nothing about football@@ryanjohnston7844

@eoincasey5461 5 дней назад

@@paudieglynn3438doesn't matter where you're from... You're obviously only a kid and never seen Paul play.

@tashale76 5 дней назад

God

@robertlaw1788 5 дней назад

Pound for pound arguably the best signing Villa ever made, I liked Paul before he joined us and was so happy to have seen God play for Villa, an absolute top player and a lovely bloke. UTV

@mrpotato442 4 дня назад

I'm an Irish Man United fan and was at the game with my Villa friends on Sunday Robert. Ye definitely have given him the adulation he deserves with the murals around the stadium and hats off to ye for that. It's not an exaggeration to say he sits at the same table as Maldini, Terry , Baresi, Van Dijk, Cannavarro etc. An absolute colossus.

@thefeckineejit264 4 дня назад

@@mrpotato442and I would bet that all those mentioned would put Paul sitting at the head of the table, they had that much admiration for him as a defender.

@CraigHiggins-n2f 5 дней назад

In the worlds best all time 11 for me, what a player

@danielhill4245 5 дней назад

YES YES YES

@py2007 4 дня назад

I met him in Dublin airport. All I could say was thank you. His eyes watered as he said thank you back

@usandusonly32 5 дней назад

Absolute legend. Also very good job by the interviewer. He really did his research and asked intelligent questions

@davehopkin9502 5 дней назад

I had the honour to watxh Paul at Villa Park many many times, I have never seen anyone read the game so well.... Thnaks for the memories Paul, you deserrve every blessing.

@tomh3877 5 дней назад

One of the best and most loved irish players of all time. An absolute legend of a man. Great to see in such great spirit. One day at a time Paul ✌️

@leejohnson3209 5 дней назад

It can't be underestimated just how good he was, he was a rock at the back for Villa. His knees were shot and he never really ran faster than a jog for the last few seasons. But made the game look easy because he just saw the danger so early, he rarely had to run. But his performance for Ireland in 1994 v Italy is probably the best individual defensive display I've ever seen.

@owen753 5 дней назад

Agree. He was unreal that day. Stopped everything. Immense. I'll never forget that match.

@only1icon1801 5 дней назад

Considering he had bals-palsey in his shoulder as well in that game, he was truly outstanding

@liamlynch9359 4 дня назад

Franco Baresi said after the match that it was the greatest defending he ever seen on a pitch.

@rorydoyle5107 4 дня назад

It can't be overestimated*

@leejohnson3209 4 дня назад

@@rorydoyle5107 It must not be underestimated, one might say it can't be underestimated... But it certainly can't be overestimated... Correction duly noted!

@jamiedeamer5765 5 дней назад

I first started going to Spurs around 10 or 11, I always remember standing behind the goal the first time we played Villa. I was blown away how easy he made football look, the ball or players just couldn't get passed him. He never seemed to break stride and had one pace through out the game. He was always two steps ahead of everyone else of the pitch. Every year Villa came back he was the same if not better. Easily one of the best players I've seen, massively underrated great to see him getting recognition.

@Dontbeasheep33 5 дней назад

One of the greatest games readers. He was never out of control on a pitch, his positioning was one of the greatest ever seen. A skill not many have had or understand even to this day

@cleehomes 4 дня назад

I remember the first time watching him at Old Trafford when I was a young lad when we played against Newcastle and he just made it look so easy! Such a blessed player!

@L3n1n99 5 дней назад

As a younger Villa fan… I didn’t have the opportunity to watch him live. But man.. from what I’ve hear from fellow Villa fans.. this man was just CLASS.

@danielhill4245 5 дней назад

And Ireland. He is a legend for the national team as well. Had Baggio in his pocket in 1994.

@Alienjujitsu 5 дней назад

Yes he was Lord McGrath UTV 💜💙🦁

@only1icon1801 5 дней назад

Met him once, he was so humble and down to earth, the man is truly a beautiful enigma. Thank you for everything Paul You'll always be God to us Villa and Irish fans 💜💙💚🤍🧡

@johnadams20132013 5 дней назад

Met him twice in Wexford he doesn't live too far away from me wished me happy birthday a couple of times as well. He's a class act

@dazza4345 День назад

Yes i met him in Wicklow about 20 years ago.Absolute gent.

@roryodwyer 4 дня назад

An Irish National hero. Universally loved, and what a player. USA 94 v Italy is written in folklore. I'll never forget that day.

@garypritchett8136 4 дня назад

Legend isn’t a strong enough word to describe him. I was lucky enough to see most of his games for Villa home and away. He’s looking well in this interview, the Villa fans worship him. What days they were. Ooh Aah Paul McGrath!

@Dontbeasheep33 5 дней назад

Absolute COLOSSAL of a player.

@padraiglocke8844 5 дней назад

When I was a child he came to my former home town of Tralee to do a Fai Coca Cola clinic, I went up to him and said “Ooh ah Paul McGrath, Ooh ah Paul McGrath! “🇮🇪 I’ve his signed jersey framed in my house here in New York to pass down to my American Kids!!!!!!

@danno5142 5 дней назад

Legend . And a Top top player

@anthonyjtracey 3 дня назад

Unbelievable player for club and country. Unbelievable human, humble, open, honest, always love listening to Paul…

@cobrafroch3280 4 дня назад

Met him yrs ago, absolute gentleman, and what a player

@cathalbrendankelly1892 5 дней назад

Even the great Roberto Baggio after that famous World Cup opening round game in The Giants Stadium NY 94 sent a letter that was published in the match programme of McGraths testimonial in what was then Landsdowne Road four years later, expounding how brilliant a defender McGrath was. We only watched and admired him. Real football players understood how great he was.

@deppresedonion6320 5 дней назад

Baresi chased him down for his jersey after the game in 94 and in 88 Ruud Guilt & Frank Rijkaard were outside the dreesing room arguing about got his jersey . Mark Bosnich was on a podcast he said he played with John Terry Marcel ,Desailly , Rio Ferdinand he named another few maybe Jaap Stam and he said none them came close to McGrath.

@Colin_Power 4 дня назад

@@deppresedonion6320 he often did the work of 2 men

@Colin_Power 4 дня назад

@@deppresedonion6320 as in he'd be man marking someone but still sweeping up and covering fullbacks and helping in midfield. Im not even exagerating

@pauldyer7437 4 дня назад

As a Utd fan, gutted he left , was a monster ! But give him his dues, played brilliantly for the Villa and deserved everything that came his way .

@fmully1429 5 дней назад

What a wonderful human being. No matter what team you support, you've gotta love paul, one of the Greats.

@mccabedave 5 дней назад

Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. I hope your journey is an example to,young players today. You are and will always be a Villa legend.

@JohnHookings-b8y 5 дней назад

My 8 year old grandson often chants "Ooh Aah Paul McGrath" . What a legend!

@williamharrison7797 5 дней назад

Paul was and still is a hero to me as a Man United fan

@stephenturner6075 4 дня назад

This guy was some player, he was world class. Paul McGrath always comes across as a very polite, humble decent human being. His book is a fantastic read and i would love to have a pint or ten of Guinness with Paul... from a Rangers supporter.

@mastemawolfesq.2408 5 дней назад

Absolute Legend! A great players player and ambassador for the sport!

@MarkPettifer 5 дней назад

Truly loved and worshiped by us Villa fans. ❤

@paulwhite2533 4 дня назад

what a fantastic chap....what a career.....lovely fella

@briansterenberg2979 5 дней назад

When Ireland beat Italy at Giants stadium in World Cup USA 94 McGraths ability to handle the likes of roberto baggio was absolutely astounding. The best defensive performance I had ever seen and a very nice, humble and admirable person

@Cornerstone-z4d 4 дня назад

Dear Mr. Paul McGrath, I read your autobiography as a child. Your victory over alcohol addiction is an inspiration to me. Now, as a doctor, it serves as a guide in treating my patients. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your world with us.

@encorefootball 4 дня назад

Legend. Fantastic player in his prime.

@TheHiltonblake 4 дня назад

Liverpool-fan, here... Great player of his generation.. Grew up watching him play for a very strong Villa-side in the early 90's..

@athlone1975 5 дней назад

What an extraordinary footballer Paul was. A hero here in Ireland and a legend at two giants of English club football. Come across as a lovely humble person.

@matt_jersey6229 5 дней назад

Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath, Oh lord, Paul McGrath... Up The Villa

@MrChazstick 5 дней назад

Get in there

@Alienjujitsu 5 дней назад

UTV 💜💙🦁

@eoincasey5461 5 дней назад

Irelands greatest ever footballer.

@babyrne78 4 дня назад

The black pearl. What a player and what a man.

@scottheritage4545 4 дня назад

Absolute gentleman. Lovely fella. And what a player. Thanks,Paul.

@jimbowen2142 5 дней назад

Paul. You are felt in the heart's of all Villa fans. We all love you, you loved us. You are a villa legend. On a personal note, you are a Amit your faults. We all have faults. Thankyou for the memories. ❤❤

@michaelfawole9974 4 дня назад

Arsenal supporter here, I loved watching Paul play, efficient and pure class..

@wzz2891 5 дней назад

The best defender in Premier League history. Certainly Aston Villa's best ever player.

@banares6880 5 дней назад

Unbelievable player was Paul absolute legend and icon god bless brother wish you the best for the future

@billybigtime2808 4 дня назад

Great interview. Respect to the man asking the questions he did that to perfection

@markshields5883 5 дней назад

What a player , in his prime he would have walked into any team in the world

@Wol-X7 5 дней назад

I’ve had the pleasure seeing this guy play and he was immense… the best defender I’ve ever seen and he’ll always be know. As God at VP 💜

@Frostyvrmonke123 4 дня назад

Excellent player and even better human being. Everyone speaks about Italy in 1994 and rightly so. Because he marked Baggio (worlds best player at the time) its never forgotten. But his performance v Norway in the game after was every bit as good or better. Could play anywhere. A diamond

@bewleyberry 4 дня назад

1994 Giants Stadium v Italy is the finest solo defensive performance I've seen my life.

@KayHannon 5 дней назад

It was a pleasure to watch him play for Aston villa happy days Good luck for the rest of your life ❤

@anthonyduffy1278 5 дней назад

Villa and Ireland fan here, Paul was loved despite his personal troubles. He really did let his footballing abilities do the talking. As a player and as a person, he will go down in the Panteon of the all time greats.

@carn5haun343 5 дней назад

Had the pleasure to meet Paul twice. Absolute gentleman

@iFarquhar 4 дня назад

What a brilliant, engaging and endearing man.

@dopeyrelaxingsounds8607 5 дней назад

First Premier League POTS, AND a central defender, not given nearly enough credit or mention as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Virgil Van Dijk, Vincent Kompany etc, Ireland's greatest ever footballer, all the while spending most games playing drunk and with dodgy knees! With todays mental health awareness, diets and advancements in players fitness/lifestyles overall, you simply couldn't put a price on Paul McGrath in the modern game. He walks into any teams starting eleven right now, in the world.

@richardwhitworth4122 4 дня назад

John Motson described McGrath's performance as outstanding in the 85 FA Cup Final against a treble chasing Everton team. He was Man of the Match that day when United were reduced to ten. Big crowd favorite at Old Trafford he would have walked into this current side of today.

@mrpotato442 4 дня назад

Im an Irish Man United fan and was at Villa Park on Sunday with my Villa friends. Great to see the different murals and tributes of him around the stadium. He's on the Mount Rushmore of Irish football and it is definitely not an exaggeration to say he is up there with the best ever defenders like Baresi, Maldini, Terry, Ferdinand, Van Dijk etc.

@backpackingireland8624 4 дня назад

What a player. Got himself together and looks amazing . Love this honesty. For Ireland in the top 4 , Keane , Brady , Whelan . Arguably the greatest PL centre half .

@Energyflash1979 4 дня назад

And the football years were just part of a life in which he is a real inspiration to anyone with addiction issues. He wrote about his battle with imposter syndrome in his book "back from the brink". He doesn't know it but he has helped me through a lot. Thanks Paul.

@paulbrown7374 4 дня назад

An outstanding footballer.. Absolutely gifted. When the greatest of Italian defenders queue up to shake his hand, you know you're dealing with greatness.

@hoogenband0110 4 дня назад

I was at a sports quiz at a bar in CORK city (Roy Keane's hometown and a bar he'd have frequented on many occasions) in April 2005. Guest of honor at the event was Ronnie Whelan. When asked who the best player he ever played with was, Whelan paused for 10-15 seconds (partly because of the din of voices chanting: "KEANO, KEANO, KEANO", before Whelan said: "I played with and against so many great players. But, if I had to choose one player above all the rest, I'd have to say: PAUL McGRATH." Enough said.

@TonyCinelli-nm3ds 4 дня назад

Met him few times and always had few min to chat ! Brilliant footballer,absolute gentleman,best wishes to him! Great to see him in this interview he looks well & healthy ❤

@thehumblegent День назад

A fantastic time to be a MUFC supporter. Fair play to Paul McGrath, a United legend for those of a certain age. Peace and love

@darrenmooney6167 23 часа назад

What an unbelievable Human being, a true Gentleman 👏

@paulstack8615 4 дня назад

What a player and amazing person… nothing but respect for him!!❤

@andydainty8253 5 дней назад

The best centre half in premier league history full stop

@CovRealist 4 дня назад

Top class player.

@Round_07 2 дня назад

I went to my first Villa game in 1978 and the man is simply the best player I’ve seen in a Villa shirt. Everyone talks about his performances in the ‘94 World Cup, but he played like that every week for the Villa.

@peterdunne2756 5 дней назад

I hope Paul McGrath realises how much he means to people of a certain generation from Ireland and Britain

@stevemcelmy9354 5 дней назад

Just imagine what a player Paul Mcgrath must have been that he played a lot of games drunk, and still looked world class.

@kevinbury3617 4 дня назад

and the best chant ever....pure legend and so thankful he is looking really well....not easy ...GOD

@banditbaker1675 4 часа назад

Lovely to see the BigMan looking so good and at peace with himself❤❤

@AlunJC 4 дня назад

The absolute OG cigar on Don. He made being a CB look soooo graceful and easy. And such a gentleman too! Know there’s other shouts, but ones I’ve seen - it’s him, Hansen & Virgil - next level Michelin star gravy…

@briancasey987 5 дней назад

The word Legend gets thrown around too often these days but Paul McGrath is a true Irish Legend and of course a legend of Irish football. So great to see him doing well

@mikem10481 5 дней назад

The greatest Irish player of my lifetime. Should go on the overlap. He would have some banter with Roy Keane.

@thefeckineejit264 4 дня назад

I was blessed not only to see him play live, but also to get the meet the great man and what a gentleman he is, truly one of the greatest people we have produced for the world stage, a great ambassador for Ireland and Irish football.

@dudleydog1612 4 дня назад

Great interview of an Irish, United and Villa legend. Thanks Sky Sports News

@db4845 2 дня назад

What a man UTV

@pauladdae3130 5 дней назад

Can Neville get him on The Overlap?

@Bobby_sprinkles 4 дня назад

I'd adore that. He seems to not want the limelight so much so this interview is so surprising.

@barryb90 4 дня назад

@@Bobby_sprinkles He was on the stage for the Overlap in Dublin last year.

@Bobby_sprinkles 4 дня назад

@@barryb90 Oooooh I didn't know that

@MrNiss 3 дня назад

Two many people on the Overlap to have a serious conversation. I would rather Neville walks around a Dublin park with him.

@peadargill7565 4 дня назад

A gentle giant and a truly outstanding footballer.

@marklaurie1 4 дня назад

Loved McGrath, a United fan!

@pjoseph5950 5 дней назад

A GOOD MAN.

@ArmyofLove 4 дня назад

This man is a beautiful soul. If Ireland football association make sure Paul is involved in the squad for international matches, they would have such a better chance of success with the love and knowledge he possesses in truck loads.