Troubled Gascoigne needs "immediate help"

Feb 3, 2013 11:30:00 AM

The former England star broke down during a charity event on Thursday and has severely lapsed in his recovery from alcoholism, according to his agent, Terry Baker

Troubled former England star Paul Gascoigne is in need of "immediate help", according to his agent, who revealed that the 45-year-old had lapsed in his recovery from alcoholism.

The former Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio star, who has battled drink and drug addiction since he retired from the game nine years ago, broke down while giving a speech at a charity event on Thursday.

Gascoigne had recently been receiving help at the Providence Clinic in Bournemouth which, in 2011, he claimed changed his life for the better but this latest episode has put his life at risk.

Terry Baker, his agent, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He won't thank me for saying but he needs to immediately get help.

"His life is always in danger because he is an alcoholic. Maybe no-one can save him - I really don't know"
-Terry Baker

"Whatever's happened to him in the five or six weeks since I saw him before Christmas he is not as well as he has been.

"He's been absolutely fine, he really has, and now he isn't - but I think he knows that.

"His life is always in danger because he is an alcoholic. Maybe no-one can save him - I don't know. I really don't know."

On Saturday Gascoigne was offered a help and assistance by former England team-mate Tony Adams, also a recovering alcoholic who runs the Sporting Chance Clinic.

A clinic spokesman told the Sunday Mirror: "Tony and the charity continue to offer treatment for addictive disorders including alcohol.

"We work very closely with the Professional Footballers' Association, who have always supported any player who has asked."