Possibly the greatest footballer ever to play for the Republic of Ireland. 🇮🇪 Paul McGrath. "The Black Pearl of Inchicore". I have his phenomenal autobiography "Back From The Brink". Such an inspirational story of a magnificent footballer. What he went on to achieve for the Irish and for Aston Villa is quite extraordinary. In the 1994 World Cup victory against Italy at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, Paul was the one man whom the Italians could not break down - he was immense that day against the Azzurri - which had six members of the legendary AC Milan side that destroyed Barcelona in the 1994 European Cup Final - and I still rate that performance as being the best game that Paul ever had in the Irish shirt. He was outstanding in that win over Italy in that World Cup. No airs or graces, no prima donna attitude, just wanted to perform when it mattered and get the job done. Hopefully, he is now fully at peace with himself and with his past demons at long last. He deserves all the happiness in the world after having given such great pleasure to do many football fans around he world for so many years. There will NEVER be another Paul McGrath. Gentleman, icon, hero, legend. Be well, Paul. God Bless. 👍😁😁😁👏👏👏🇮🇪⚽🇮🇪⚽🇮🇪

I live in Birmingham and i can tell you this..This man is REVERED down here..Never trained but was MOTM on a Saturday.. Nearly every Villa fan i know states McGrath as their fave player of all time..No coincidence i think

What an absolute legend, best player to EVER play for Villa!

I'm not Irish or a Man Utd or Villa fan but this guy was a world class player without ever realising it. He should of achieved so much more in the game.

Got a bad deal right from the start. Such a terrific human being Does he realiser just how much HE is loved. I do not think so. Now with Jack gone - Paul please realise YOU mean the world to all of us . God protect you and give you the rewards you so deserve.

An absolute legend at Villa, he was immense. Credit to Graham Taylor and Jim Walker for the way they treated him. I hope Paul has some peace and a happy life.

What a man, a true gentleman. He is my favourite ever player, as a Villa fan he is the greatest player ever to wear Claret and Blue. I had the privilege of meeting him and Norman Whiteside in Belfast where Paul signed a Villa shirt. I subsequently gave the shirt to an auction to raise money to send young men with serious mental health issues to a football tournament, it sold for £400 I was glad it helped other people but was gutted that I let it go

In 45yrs of watching football .... Paul McGrath was the best reader of opponents, also Ireland's greatest, I wish him all the best in life.

Graham Taylor was really an incredible human being , as with Paul

My mam used to work with Paul at CP security company in Dublin. She said he used to get a telling off for missing work because of football. Paul used to come in and just say "sorry boss". Someone had to tell him that he was playing LOI and was trying out for Man U. After that he was allowed to miss as much work as he needed. That just goes to show what an unassuming, mild mannered lad he was. My mother also used to say that all the young women in the office loved paul and tried to flirt with him but because of his shyness, he didn't know how interact. I was 7 during Italia 90 and because of these stories, he was always going to be my favorite player. God love ya Paul.

My hero as a kid, and that was only because of what he did on the pitch. He is my hero as an adult because of the man that he is. If I could be an eighth of the man that Paul is, Id be very proud indeed. The greatest pride of Ireland.

Still the greatest I ever saw do it. I was very privileged to be going to the Villa, home and away, throughout his time with the club and he remains the only player I genuinely believe was good enough to get into a World XI that we’ve had since I started going in 1987. He has had his well publicised demons to battle but every one of them just makes what he was able to achieve all the more amazing and turned him into a superhuman in my eyes. There is a reason that his song is still sung at Villa Park every single time fans are allowed in. God.

Paul McGrath is a nice person. I liked this documentary but the focus on his weaknesses is overdone. We all have issues. Paul had to deal with so much more than the average bloke. I salute him and wish him well.

Remember watching him at his best in the early nineties from the Holte end, absolute monster of a centre half, best player in our history UTV

No one knows the hurt anyone carries. Paul in my opinion is burdened and he has done a job surviving this long. There is no magic want to cure the internal sadness and trauma that some of us carry.

I went to the same secondary school in Sallynoggin Dublin as Paul (8 years after he was there) & I played for Pearse Rovers, his first club also a few years later than him & to say he is loved in Ireland is an understatement, the man is adored, he was in my opinion the best central defender of all time. Thanks Paul you absolute legend for all the memories you gave us in the green & white jersey of Ireland 🇮🇪

Remember an attack by Italy in WC 94, when the Irish back 4 was scrambling towards its box and PM did a back heel clearance to an Irish midfield player. A Rolls-Royce driving among Ford Escorts in that team. Different gravy.

Great hearing of Graham Taylor's generosity and kindness

Paul McGrath, The legend, The man.. nuff said 🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥

Hope he finds peace someday, lovely human being Paul, love from Leeds united ❤️☮️

I guess it's a testament to how much of a quiet man he is that I had no idea how he sounded. Made me think about the kids from the orphanage next to the sports field we played football at. My only contact with them was actually fighting. At the time I just found them threatening but with hindsight they were hurting and lashing out at other kids they saw as having what they didn't. Must be so tough to thrive in life coming out of that kind of childhood.

Single handedly kept Derby County in the premier league and if i remember he only played half of that season and when he played for Derby he didn't run more than 20 yards. What a genius

So lovely to hear Paul being so open about his problems while playing football. As an Aston Villa fan, I can honestly say that this never showed when he was playing for us. He was adored then & still is. He is undoubtedly, one of the best defenders we ever had. Hopefully, when fans can go back to the stadiums, Paul can be at villa park with us. I know how he felt when he said he did not mix with others, as I was exactly the same. I will always have a place in my heart for this special Irishman/gentleman.

Best thing I've watched on KZfaq in years. Loved Paul as a player and I'm a pool fan. I've my own demons with the drink but god willing he and I will see better days. Brilliant video this. 🇮🇪🍀☘️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Brilliant documentary, I always thought of him as a great player, I had no ideas of the Demons he had. To carry on playing at that level while struggling as he did with the injuries as well, what a top man. Ultimate respect.

Villa legend the best defender i have ever seen.

We still sing his name at Villa Park. You can't get more respect than that. A privilege to see him play at the Villa. A legend.

he saved irelands arse so many times i have to say the best defender in the world and we all love him and miss his playing

Really enjoyed that. I'm a Villa fan and Paul McGrath is one of the greatest players we've ever had. Reading his 1st autobiography was heartbreaking, his childhood was so sad. I really hope he can overcome his demons and live a happy life. He deserves it.

Watched him at utd for years back in 80s. Never once saw him get skinned. Brilliant, brilliant player . God bless ya Paul x

Paul's behaviour is as a result of little or no attachment as a child which has a profound influence on any human beings development, see any psychology 101 course. What's beautiful about Paul is he has struggled with this as an outsider in a repressed society and won people over through his humanity and gentleness. The fact he went on to become one of the greatest if not greatest footballers ireland has ever produced and respected throughout the football world makes paul an amazing human being. It is we who are privileged to have witnessed such a fighter to rise from such a tough upbringing and excel as the footballer he became. Thank you paul.

An absolute brilliant player ,it was a privilege to see him play , immense the man was ,Thanks Paul

I have always admired Paul,he always stood out and played simple football.a person to be admired especially with a difficult start to life

In my opinion The greatest Irish player of all time He had everything. Thanks for the memories Paul

Best Irish player EVER, met him last year in tesco and he was arguing with his mam - Brilliant

Paul was a phenomenal athlete, and all his demons aside(which we all have) is also a good man, with a decent heart

A truly wonderful man and a national treasure!

Paul’s football IQ was off the charts. To me he is the best to ever do it. The GOAT of centre halves for sure. Him and Ferdinand are the best I have ever seen.

One of the best defenders I have ever seen.

Thoroughly enjoyable watch...interesting comments on the pay situation at Utd. As an LFC fan, was always more concerned whether McGrath was playing. Top footballer, could never resent him as a Utd player unlike others! Paul's comments on his time under Graham Taylor at Villa in his book really tug the heartstrings. Many thanks for uploading.

Total and absolute down to earth gentlemen.. Thanks Paul for everything.. 🤣

What a player we all love you Paul Ireland will always have your back green blood true and true

A priceless human with great kindness and humility that just so happens to be one of our greatest players of all time.

I grew up across the road from his mothers house.We all knew him and his mam. Legend

Bless ya Paul, tough as nails at the back for villa.

Humble man ,irish legend 🙌 versatile player stick him anywhere on the pitch back in the day , thanks for the memories Paul 88/90/94 .

Wow what a legend. What would we give to have a defender like him now

Similarity with PHIL LYNOTT, Hope PAUL beats his addiction ,he was a cultured footballer,and seems like kind likeable man .Good luck Paul .

A natural talent. I watched him play for Villa in a decent team. The one thing that was clearly evident to me was the way he read the game. Considering that he didn’t really train, due to the well documented problem with his knees makes me wonder how much of a better player he could have been. He was a colossal defender in his own right and he made an extra yard with the anticipation and judgement of where the ball was going to be played. Villa legend to this day.

Some say baggio is still in his pocket...

I was born in the same hospital as the legend, Paul McGrath - it was Perivale Maternity Hospital, in Greenford, Ealing, Middlesex. And, by a twist of fate, aged 12, we moved to Dublin, where I attended school (CBC Monkstown) for about a year, before returning to England. That was in 1979. What I've only just found out is that Paul McGrath, who grew up in Dun Laoghaire, at the same time was playing for Dalkey United FC, just down the road from Killiney, where we lived. I could have gone and watched the Dalkey legend, Paul McGrath 👍🇮🇪🇬🇧⚽

Such a likeable, candid man and what he acheived at club level is incredible after being asked to retire. Figure this is the best hour I've spent on KZfaq in a long time 💚 Great documentary guys.

Quality player. As for this channel, brilliant and obviously created by a football purist.

Massive Liverpool fan but Paul was world class

I was in Pizza hut in the middle of Manchester having a meal in about 1994 and Paul was sat with his family near us, seemed a really quiet gentle lad real sad hearing his story now, hope you are well buddy ☺

The biography about Paul McGrath’s life before and after his football career, Back From The Brink, is one of the most heart-wrenching books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down.

Paul your legacy will always be immortal in Ireland a true legend

Best player i have ever seen in a villa shirt, pure class

Out and out gentlemen on and off the pitch met him in Wexford town and got my photo taken with him in February 2016 what a legend so kind well mannered well down to earth kind humble human being he has had problems with his drinking ect ect he's a gentle giant he even wished me a happy birthday on Facebook video goes to show what a kind human being that he is icon

What a man.. and also a gentleman 👍

Great upload. Mad to see & hear what others have to go through and experienced in their LIFE just to be loved.

Perhaps THE most fascinating character in the history of the game.

What a player,pure class!seems humble as well .good luck with your demons Paul!❤️

No matter what his problems at united were I as a kid watched him in his prime and paul McGrath was a beast of a defender.

Great player, good, honest documentary. thanks for the upload

My hero,one of the greatest center Half's of all time,just ask the Italians,they consider Paul one of the greatest center backs they've ever seen.Paul,Brady&Keane,our 3 GOATS in my opinion

World class player, didnt have the career at united what he should have had. I can understand why, Fergie needed to break up the drinking culture, plus most fans thought his knees had gone. Little did we know, he was a man mountain for Villa and ROI.

Class defender in my opinion !! one of the best in the Premier Years & for the ROI :)

Paul asked me for directions to a wine bar one night in Nottingham in the 90s. He’s a top guy.

Loved McGraph as a player. Wished he was English. One of the best defenders in the world at the time.

I remember him as a boy when I lived in Turret House in Inchicore Davitt Road. Lovely boy and great around guy.

Great player, thanks for uploading this video, have read Paul's autobiography too.

His performance Vs Italy 94 was one of the greatest of all time.... period

Second only to the incomparable Bobby Moore in reading the game. Used to love watching McGrath play. Legend.

McGrath against Italy in 94 was immense he was brilliant

Paul Mcgrath made every centre half he played with look world class!

Big love and respect for this humble giant of a man. My prayers are that he may see how blessed he is and that he can fulfil his dream of working with the younger generation who would absolutely benefit from his experiences 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Great interview, hell of a story and terrible to see one man going through so much torment. So much love for him in and out of football just because he gave so much for our entertainment. What he could do on a pitch is nothing compared to what he could do if he made the big leap to get better. He genuinely has a lot more to give and young people could really benefit from his knowledge, not only of the game but of the pitfalls. A true gent, get better soon Paul 👏👏👏👏👏👏

a villa legend i met him once at villa park a proper gentleman n very shy

An absolute legend, great person, revered UTV!

oh lord Paul McGrath. Legend. Best defender in the world at the time he was playing. just imagine if he had been playing with Franco Baresi. no better defending duo to better them ever.

Great player amazing skills bull of a man strong as they come , WOULD walk true defenders like they were nothing Always in there for the delivery with his head LEAP SKY HIGH And no doubt would score a goal always, IRISH LEGEND 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪👊👍👏🙏

...saw him when man u came to Jamaica...i learned some of his cheeky moves the ref never caught...

Any people that have the audacity to call ramos a world class defender , watch paul mcgrath and realise what a real defender is , also played centre midfield at Wembley , by miles best player on the pitch . LEGEND

Phenomenal piece 👌☘

Absolutely withouth a doubth our best ever player (irelands) what a player respect PAUL MCRATH you brought me so many happy memories grown up #legend of the game

Great man and player unreal performance against Italy at world cup 94 legend

Best defender ever bar non based my game on him , one love paul

I dont no why we dont speak about this man much today he was a LEGEND of the game

My one and only footballing hero. Absolutely world class. Best player ever to wear the beloved Villa shirt. Best centre half in the world. Pretty good in midfield when he had to as well😀👍⚽️UTV

One of my favourite players of all time, quality player.

Fantastic football player a really loved him playing for Ireland 🇮🇪

Great Soccer player. Loved his story ,he had a tough start to life, but was able to realize his dream to be a great player. wish him well and hope he gets to pass on his knowledge of soccer to young kids .

He is simply a legend. I have seen him play half a dozen times - He was just brilliant.

So inspirational ☺️

Us villa fans call this man God. Says everything you need to know. I was lucky enough to be at villa park every game during McGrath's time at the club and he is the best defender we have ever had in my opinion. Great days under Taylor and Atkinson

Fantastic player!!

Being a Villa fan Paul was always k own to us as God!!! I played for Clondalkin Celtic back in the 1980's and we had a good team that time.. It was mostly local lads from Bawnoge and the Boot Rd in Clondalkin. during the yrs under 9 to under 11/12 but it all changed under 13 or thereabouts when we got a new manager and then we began attracting good players from Neilston and other areas as well. I was very small back then. Too thin and I recall coming up against lads who looked twice/tree times my size so I wasn't going to carry on.. I lost my place in the team bcos of my size but I was skillful enough and quick in my thoughts on te pitch ut back then small players were frowned upon. Shame but that's just the way it was.

Read his book... Back From The Brink, a great book.

Thank you Paul - re ally really