By Amy Lewis: ITV London Reporter

Kenny Sansom was a millionaire idolised by football fans where ever he went.

But decades of alcoholism have left him penniless and feeling worthless.

I know I've got stuff to offer because people keep telling me. But, when you get low sometimes, you feel you've got nothing to offer - and it's horrible, it really is horrible. You feel you may as well walk down the street, go and sit on a bench, get a bottle of wine and drink it. Kenny Sansom

Kenny Sansom played for Arsenal more than 300 times and won 86 caps for England during a glittering 20 year career.

His downfall has been well documented and also appeared on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show.

Kenny Sansom appearing on The Jeremy Kyle Show Credit: ITV

Sansom reluctantly went into rehab and claims he didn't drink for five months.

I wasn't drinking, but my gambling was getting me through not drinking. Sadly one addiction stopped the other one. Not good. At the moment, I'm doing both which is not helping me. I'm not proud of it but I have to let people know the truth. Gambling is massive for me. I love it. It gives me a buzz. I go in their and I gamble and if I lose I have a lot worse day than if I'm drinking. Kenny Sansom

Kenny Sansom playing for Arsenal in 1980 Credit: PA

Sansom says he started drinking again three weeks ago. On a bad day he can buy seven bottles of wine. Now homeless, he's staying - of all places - in a room above a pub in Surrey.

There is temptation. The thing is, I could be living in a flat on my own. I could be living in the back of someone's van. I could be anywhere, If i want to drink, I want to drink. It's not where you live or what circumstances you're in. If you want to drink, you will. Kenny Sansom

Kenny Sansom playing for Arsenal in 1980 Credit: PA

He has three grown up children but his drinking has divided them.

I see my daughter now and, I'm lucky, she's a good kid. Katie's got the hump with me because I let her down. Harry, my son, he doesn't want to see me because I left his mum. That's fair enough. Kenny Sansom

At his lowest, Sansom says he considered killing himself.

I think if I'd have had a tablet on the table, I'd have taken it. Because I didn't have any money and I couldn't gamble and couldn't drink. Oh my God, depression and stuff like that is horrible. I really wouldn't want anyone to go through that. Kenny Sansom

Credit: ITV News

But Sansom admits he's not even trying to beat his addictions.

I don't think I'll ever stop drinking, no. I've been in treatment many, many times and there's a lot of nice people in there who've given up drink for 20 years, or 25 years. I think it's fantastic. But, I don't want to give up drink. I actually enjoy it. Kenny Sansom

He grew up in Elephant and Castle, south London and is staying in Redhill in Surrey and says he still gets lots of support where ever he goes.

Credit: ITV News

In general, people have been so nice to me. The reason I want to do this interview is to say to them I'm not as great as you think. I'm honest, I will tell the truth. But I gamble, it's horrible and I do drink. I am a nice person, I don't think I'm a bad person - but I don't think I'm the best. Kenny Samson

Kenny Sansom once captained Arsenal to a League Cup Final victory and played for England in two World Cups, but his greatest battle lies ahead.