‘Gazza’ admitted to treatment centre
Ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been admitted to a treatment centre in the United States, his management company says.
The alcoholic former Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Newcastle United star, 45, has “willingly” been admitted to an unnamed centre, a statement, GamePlan Solutions said.
The statement read: “Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late. He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment centre in America.
“He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals.
“Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days. He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance.”
Lots of you asking for my thoughts on Gazza’s plight. I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 3, 2013
Fears for the footballing legend surfaced last week when he appeared, shaking and unwell, at a charity event in Northampton. During the event he broke down sobbing on stage in front of a room full of fans.
Gascoigne, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past, was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act.
Sports Correspondent Keme Nzerem writes: Whichever way you dress it up, it's a tragedy. Of course for him and his family, but also for the sporting community - if such a thing can be said to exist.
Paul Gascgoine is without doubt the most talented football player England has produced in a at least a generation. And I make a point of saying England, rather than the UK, to make a grim and slightly awkward point - because his talent was of course akin to that other supremely sublimely blessed alchemist of the pitch - George Best.
The parallels are tragic and telling. Confirmation that Gazza has now been admitted for treatment today is both relieving, and terribly sad.