He was an English soccer star and now fights against alcoholism: “I am a sad drunk”

Few know the history of Paul Gascoine, a former midfielder who knew how to stand out in different English football teams, but due to his injuries and addictions, he was never able to reach his highest level. From the success and lights of the English league to fighting daily against excessive alcohol consumption.

Although the former World Cup player currently fights day by day with his problem, the career of “Gazza“He had great moments that catapulted him to be one of the best midfielders in the world for the time.

What was Paul Gascoigne’s football career like?

The boy born on May 27, 1967 in Gateshead began playing in the streets at the age of 4 and was surprising when he did it in schools. That’s why when he was 13 he showed up on Newcastle UnitedEdit and incorporated it for the lower divisions. In them, the former midfielder had great performances and was even able to win the 1985 FA Youth Cup. That was why in that year Gazza was promoted to first team, signing a professional contract and making his debut in a match against Queens Park Rangers. .

However, Paul had a childhood marked by several milestones that caused the former player to form bad and irreverent behavior in his adolescence; for example, the death of a friend and his father. Given this behavior, Gascoine was on the verge of being removed from the squad several times, being the greatest young figure in English football. In 1988 he was the Tottenham Hotspur who paid two million pounds sterling for the controversial young man, becoming one of the most expensive transfers in history at that time.

As we say, young Paul had plenty of capabilities. At Tottenham, the former player was key for the team, showing good performances; He even achieved his first call to the England national team that same year. Although everyone knew about his bad behavior, the former midfielder was chosen to play in the Italy 1990 World Cup, where was one of the figures on the squad. The English team reached the semifinals of the tournament, being defeated by Germany, champions of the tournament.

Returning to his club career, in 1991 Gascoine suffered a serious knee injury while playing in the FA Cup final with his club. Minutes after what happened, Tottenham kept the trophy and Gascoine had to celebrate in the hospital. A few months later he was transferred to the laziobut he could not debut until more than a year later due to his ligaments.

However, as a result of his injury and poor behavior, Gazza spent 3 seasons in Italy and was unable to demonstrate his high level. Few games played, a step without pain or glory that led to the transfer to a giant of Scottish football: Glasgow Rangers.

Paul Gascoine wore the Rangers jersey from 1995 to 1998. Gascoine became an emblem and a kind of idol for the Scottish club based on good play and irreverent performances with his rivals. There he harvested a Scottish Cup, two Scottish Premier League and a League Cup, ending there with his professional record. Likewise, due to his outstanding appearances, he returned to the call for his national team for Euro 1996. However, again with his bad behavior he made the beginning of the end of Gazza’s career known.

Between 1998 and 2004, Gascoine’s life went increasingly downhill. I’m going through Middlesbrough, Everton FC, Burnley FC, Gansu Tianma from China and Boston United. In all those clubs Paul had short steps, where he did not show the level that led him to be one of the best midfielders in the world, and the same problem as always: behavior. Added to that, Gazza began to slowly delve into alcoholism, a problem that accompanies him in his life to this day. The former footballer hung up his boots in 2004 playing for Boston United for the second and last time (he had done so in 2002, but he returned to professional football with the Chinese club).

Paul Gascoigne’s problem with alcohol

Paul Gascoine started drinking alcohol since he was a professional footballer. On more than one occasion, the former player was involved in conflicts and media controversies, since he met him many times in different bars, drunk and getting into several fights. However, his addiction to alcohol began to get worse and worse since his retirement, when he was also diagnosed with depression, bipolar, among other things.

From 2004 to date, Paul entered rehab at least seven times: some by personal decision and others against his will. In the documentary “Gazza vs. Paul” of High Performance Originals delved into the duality of his personality, where he also revealed: “I used to be a happy drunk. And I’m not. I’m a sad drunk. I don’t go out drinking, I drink inside the house…people know Paul Gascoigne, but nobody knows Gazza. Even myself sometimes.”

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In a moment of introspection, Gascoigne admits that he uses alcohol as a way to escape depression, but recognizes that this is a constant battle. He has found support in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and in a change in his routines, including a replacement of alcohol with coffee and in fishing: “If I want it to be a bad day, all I have to do is go to the pub. If I want Let it be a good day, I take out my rod and go fishing.

Gascoigne reveals that his struggle with alcohol has led him to some dark times, even to the point of sneaking cocaine out of public bathrooms and attempting suicide. Despite everything and with many ups and downs, Paul continues his fight every day: “I have never given up. I think the moment I give up will be when I’m in a wooden box. Other than that, I will continue fighting.”

Paul Gascoigne’s story is proof that the lights of success, even on a soccer field, do not mean that a person feels fulfilled. Additionally, Gascoine is a living reminder that the fight against addiction is an ongoing battle, but his bravery in facing his personal demons and his determination to stay sober could be inspiring to many struggling with the same issue.