PAUL GASCOIGNE’S AGENT took to the airwaves yesterday to reveal that the former England international ‘immediately needs to get some help’.
Terry Baker told BBC radio that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Rangers star, who has battled alcoholism and depression for many years, is in dire straits.
He spoke as shocking pictures of the 45-year-old, looking bloated and dishevelled, appeared in the Sunday Mirror newspaper.
“I heard from Paul this evening and my best assessment would be — and I’ve told him this — he immediately needs to get some help,” said Baker.
The agent said Gascoigne had seemed “fairly incoherent” when they spoke on Saturday evening. He added:
Maybe no one can save him. His life’s always in danger because he is an alcoholic, as he says.”
Baker said his client drank before a charity event last Thursday and had insisted on appearing on stage, against his advice. Gascoigne had to be led from the stage “shaking uncontrollably”, Baker said.
Direct appeal
Appealing directly to the former star, Baker said: “Paul, listen to me because you know I’ve got your best interests at heart — you must do what you know you must do.”
Gascoigne made 57 appearances for England and is considered one of the most talented English players ever. He is best known for his exploits at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where he helped England reach the semi-finals.
But he has struggled with addiction and depression since retiring in 2004 and has spent time in rehabilitation clinics, as well as undergoing treatment for bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder. He was detained twice under the Mental Health Act in 2008.
The former star was given a suspended prison sentence in 2010 after admitting drink-driving, while a separate charge of drink-driving was dropped in 2011.
Baker said Gascoigne had been in a fragile mental state in recent days, after a friend “died while they were holding his hand”.
“It’s haunting him,” Baker revealed.
He described Gascoigne as “the nicest, most generous, lovely person”.
“All he does is give to other people,” he added. “He’s really funny. Despite what people think, he’s quick-witted. But at the moment he’s not very well.”
poor man. very sad to see.
Rich or poor,male or female, black or white the drink has power over some
people
Alcohol can be a very dangerous drug. I hope Paul gets through this.
One day at a time Paul. Hope he gets well soon
seen the video this morning, sad to see anyone in such a bad way. Hope he gets the help he needs and as Peter Schmeichel said on Twitter this morning, the PFA should be doing something to help him instead of organising flash cars for players!
Terrible to see how damaginig alcohol can be, the poor man is detroyed, I really hope he gets better.
The worst part is yaht those who care for him are watching helplessly as he dies on slow motion. It seem like nothing can be done
Sadly you can’t help those that don’t want to be helped Shane.It must be heartbreaking to see one of your loved ones killing themselves slowly like this.
seems like a george Best type saga all over again . i remenber when he scored a great goal against Scotland – and in the celebration – they mimiced pouring alcohol down his throat – very sad . Great player . Hope he makes it .
@malcom and you’re a prat!
@jenny I am a prat why because I have no regard for a drunk bigot
Brought joy to a lot of lives during his glory days, huge character. Hope and pray he gets the help he needs and in my opinion deserves.
One of the greats
So Malcolm ever think of counselling as a job, ya seem the understanding type of person !!!!! Some ppl don’t know we’re they will end up themselves in years to come
Caroline well said …not one of knows what lies ahead ..
Very sad to hear he is back drinking, I honestly dont think Gazza can be saved
Hope he gets better <3
I had the great pleasure of meeting Paul. One very nice man, however he has become another victim of a highly addictive substance. I only wish our youngsters could see and fully understand the danger that drink poses to them. There should be more efforts by our government to educate and encourage all to drink sensibly. Get well soon Paul.
Who cares the man is a waster
arrogant, rude and obnoxious .
Malcolm you are arrogant, rude, obnoxious .this man is sick and needs help .
Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been admitted to a treatment centre in the US. The 45-year-old has willingly gone to an un-named centre, his management company confirmed.
Poor Paul. Such an amazing talent destroyed by alcohol. Hope he is able to stop and turn his life around.
cant say i give a toss
Fair point, but alcohol had quite a bit to do with that too.
It’s sad to see such a capable man become so lost and disoriented in life. There but for the grace of god, and a little luck, goes any one of us.
Help is there for him if he SEEKS it, I truly hope he does.
Who the fook is Gazza :)
Only joking really hope Paul gets well would never wish it on my worst enemy Such a young age he can get the help he needs . Get well soon
Very sad, hope he gets the help he needs and heeds it.
Very sad to see….. He could have been one of the greatest had he not turned to drink.
So sad for such a talented person and icon for our future young people.
Hope he gets well..one of the best
How can anyone put likes to these comments when a person is sick.. Did anyone ever hear of the word KARMA.. Get well soon Gazza..
Sorry I meant dislikes
Who the hell is that pric- malcom ? We all know he’s a very sick man but we have symphoty for him and wish him well……
A other victim of “The Black Dog”.