Wrexham hero Paul Mullin admits he'd quit football tomorrow if it meant all his 'worries' over son Albi would be over after bravely opening up on his autism diagnosis in hit documentary

Mullin revealed how one particular scene in the hit series Welcome to Wrexham encapsulated his emotions around his family, in particular his son Albi, who was diagnosed with autism in January. Wrexham's talismanic striker also paid tribute to co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for putting real life matters ahead of football.

Writing in his newly-released autobiography My Wrexham Story, Mullins shared: "When it came to the last episode of season one and that infamous play-off game in May 2022 against Grimsby, I wasn’t in any way prepared for how what I saw on screen would affect me. Footage of me taking a penalty was interspersed with clips of me playing with Albi in the garden. It showed what I already knew so well – that taking a penalty in a football match can never compare with being at home with my beautiful son.

"They got that so right. Yes, it was a big moment, but the perspective that Albi has brought into my life meant that when I kicked that ball I felt no pressure. I was ice-cold. It was just a kick in a game. I put the ball on the spot and scored. I admire that about Rob and Ryan – they’ve never fallen into the ‘football is everything’ trap. Yes, it’s massive, and it matters to people on a very deep emotional level. But it’s nothing compared to the health and happiness of your loved ones. Truth is, if someone said, ‘Stop football tomorrow and all your worries with Albi will be over,’ I’d shake their hand and say, ‘Sound.’ "

Mullin has been a prominent supporter of autistic charities since his son's diagnosis. The Liverpudlian often wears boots with logos supporting awareness of the condition and has regularly attends events promoting greater inclusion for autistic children in sport.

Wrexham were the first club in Wales to be awarded the Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society in September 2023. The award recognised the club's efforts to make football more accessible and inclusive for autistic fans.

Mullin's bravery in discussing autism and his continued push to highlight awareness has a been a boon for the thousands of families who find themselves in a similar situation. The Wrexham story continues to thrill not just for matters on the field but the compassion displayed off it.

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Buy your copy of Paul Mullin's brilliant new autobiography My Wrexham Story on Amazon.