The legendary Englishman turned a new leaf after fighting with alcohol addiction for decades

Legendary English footballer Paul « Gazza » Gascoigne (58), a generation icon and one of his most talented players of his era, recently shared encouraging news of his health, signaling a possible turning point in a long and publicly documentary struggle with alcoholism and mental health problems. Gazza seems to have found new optimism and strength to continue at the age of 58.

In a recent interview with The Mirror, Gascoigne revealed that he felt better than he had felt for years.

« I hope I’m at a point now that I can look at everything I went through with a different, more positive perspective, » he said. These words come at the moment when Gascoigne announces the exit of his new book, a symbolic name « Eight » (eight), the number he celebrated on the jersey, but who, as he says, also represents eight different emotions he often struggled with.

– After so many years in the center of attention, I feel it’s time for people to get to know the real me – Gazza added, hint at a deeper, more personal insight into his life.

These positive news comes after decades marked by ups and downs, numerous treatment attempts and recurrences that filled the media columns. His struggle became almost as famous as his football magic.

‘Expert of the Running Clinic’

Gascoigne’s battle with addiction began throughout, and intensified after the end of his playing career in 2004. He attended his first therapy back in 1998, and has since passed through countless rehabilitation programs. He once described himself as a « connoisseur » of the quitting clinic, consuming, according to some sources, approximately 410,000 euros of his own money on treatment. He was a client of reputable institutions like The Meadows Rehabilitation Centers in Phoenix and Providence Projects in the UK.

In search of a solution, he also resorted to drastic methods. In 2018, he underwent an anti-alcoholic pellet installation surgery in the abdomen, which cost him around £ 20,000 (approximately € 23,500), with the aim of consuming alcohol to nausea. Unfortunately, after that, he experienced a recurrence. In an interview of 2021. He admitted, « I will always be an alcoholic. »

Earlier this year, in March, he discovered that he was staying in the free room of his agent Katie Davies in Poole and that she again visited meetings of anonymous alcoholics.

– Last year was not great, there were ups and downs for several months. I used to be a happy drunk. I’m no longer. I’m a sad drunk. I don’t go out, I drink inside, ”he admitted at the Daily Mail at the time.

One therapy of the fruit of the fruit

One of the brighter periods in his struggle was the application of over+ IV therapy. It is an intravenous therapy of nicotinemide adenin dinucleotide, a coenzyme that plays a key role in cell renewal and acts as a powerful antioxidant. This therapy aims to renew the balance in the brain impaired alcohol, reducing the craving and alleviating symptoms of abstinence. At one point, thanks to regular two -week sessions, Gascoigne was a year without alcohol and stated that he was feeling « super positive ». Although it did not represent a permanent solution, this method provided significant relief and hope.

Despite all the efforts, the challenges are constant. His agent revealed that individuals sometimes leave the bottles of Gina on Prague, hoping to photograph him in a compromising moment. However, Gazza still relies on support such as meetings of anonymous alcoholics and tries to avoid triggers.

– If I want a bad day, I just go to the pub. If I want a good day, I take my stake for fishing and going for a fishing – he vividly described his daily struggle.

The coaching career lasted 38 days due to alcoholism

Alcoholism left a deep mark on Gascoigne’s life after football. His coaching engagement in Kettering Town in 2005 lasted only 39 days, precisely because of alcohol problems. He was facing bankruptcy threats for unpaid taxes, he was arrested for drunk driving and disturbing public order and peace.

In 2010, he even appeared at the site of the Raoul Moata Fugitive Police Sie, offering him « chicken and beer ». Five years later he was banned from approaching the disturbance of his ex -girlfriend.

He admitted that if he had failed anyone, he had failed himself, especially because of his drinking problems after his career ended. He missed, as he says, to make 100 appearances for the English national team (stopped at 57) due to injuries and problems outside the field.

Emotional burden is huge; He often cried on stage during his public appearances, admitting how much he lacked Saturday’s excitement and entertainment of the audience.

« I don’t think I will ever grow up, which doesn’t really bother me, » he said on one occasion, showing his vulnerable side. Despite everything, he is proud of what he has given to people and his humanitarian side, donating almost a million pounds to various charity organizations.

Despite the dark periods, Gascoigne’s combat spirit does not wane.

– I think I’ll only give up when I’m in a wooden crate. Plus, I’ll continue to fight – is his famous statement.