Arsenal vow to continue supporting former England full-back Kenny Sansom

The 54-year-old is homeless and battling alcoholism

Arsenal have pledged to continue their support of former England full-back Kenny Sansom, who is homeless and battling alcoholism.

The 54-year-old, who made 86 appearances for the Three Lions between 1979 and 1988 and played at the World Cup twice, told The Sun how he had struggled with personal problems which had hampered him for several years.

The Professional Footballers' Association and his former club have offered help to Sansom, who had been staying with his sister Mary until recently.

"We are aware of Kenny Sansom's situation and have been providing him with ongoing support and guidance," an Arsenal spokesman told Press Association Sport.

Sansom admitted in the interview he was finding it difficult to cope.

"I am in a bad way. Arsenal are trying to help me, but I have got to try to help myself," he said.

"I have been living homeless for 10 days, that's because I've got no money, I'm a drunk, I'm not feeling very well and I'm a gambler. I've been living on the street.

"I am just a drunk. I drink as much as I can get."

Sansom made his professional debut for Crystal Palace at the age of 16 and went on to captain the England Under-21s before becoming a permament fixture in the senior team's defence.

The full-back spent eight years at Arsenal, playing 314 matches, before leaving to join Newcastle in 1988 followed by spells at QPR, Coventry, Everton, Brentford and Watford before retirement.

Since then, Sansom had worked in the media, including for Arsenal's own club outlets, and has undergone several rehabilitation programmes.

PA