21 November 2023 , 13:02
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Paul Gascoigne was the England star who once had the world at his feet, but despite enjoying the adulation of football fans his antics off the field left him feeling very much alone.
The 56-year-old was considered one of the most gifted players of his generation, capturing the hearts of a nation at Italia 90 with his displays and obvious charisma. And his tears when booked in the semi-final against West Germany, meaning he would have missed the final had Bobby Robson's team got there, have since gone down in folklore.
Gascoigne's career would prove to be a colourful one, playing for the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Rangers, and enjoying another pivotal role for his country in Euro 96. But his time on the international stage ended cruelly, dropped from the 1998 World Cup squad by Glen Hoddle which prompted an angry alcohol-fuelled reaction in England's training camp in La Manga.
But it's since hanging up his boots that Gascoigne's problems with addiction have become most harrowing. And in raw scenes filmed for friend Vinnie Jones’ brand-new TV series, Vinnie Jones In The Country , he opens up on his feelings of isolation.
“Thing is, once I start, that’s it,” he tells Jones, when discussing his issues with alcohol. And after the ex-Wimbledon man implied he too had experienced that same notion, Gascoigne added: “I cannot stop, it’s a nightmare.
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"It wasn’t so much the drink, it was the consequences, Vinnie. God, f****** hell, the consequences. The thing is, when you’re in it, you’re in it. Do you know what I mean? A nightmare. And then you become a loner, no one wants to speak to you.”
Paul Gascoigne has battled alcohol addictions since his playing career (Steve Reigate)HAVE YOUR SAY! How good 'Gazza' have been? Comment below.
Gascoigne first entered therapy sessions in October 1998 when he was admitted into Priory Hospital. He briefly began a period of sobriety but has since suffered numerous relapses.
Back in 2017, representatives confirmed he had again entered a rehabilitation centre in a bid to stop drinking alcohol. And a host of former teammates and friends, most notably Gary Lineker, have publicly voiced their concerns over his welfare.
The documentary series hosted by notorious football hard-man Jones is available for fans to stream on Discovery+. It's billed as being based in 2,000 acres of West Sussex countryside, with the Hollywood star joined by different celebrities to speak about their careers.