Paul Gascoigne has spoken about his “down” moment.
The former England midfielder has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health over the years.
In a new interview with The Sunday TimesGascoigne, 58, hit rock bottom in 1998 when he contemplated suicide in Stevenage after a four-day drinking spree in Ireland.
At the time, he was struggling after failing to make the England squad for his second World Cup. These feelings were reinforced by the death of his best friend from acute alcohol poisoning after they had been drinking together. In a research, it was found that this friend was suffering from heart problems.
Although Gascoigne had previously been portrayed in the press as an alcoholic, the former footballer said his alcoholism did not become severe until the late 1990s.
“I was demonized many times in the press for drinking, often unfairly,” he says, “but the truth was that things didn’t get too bad for me until the late 1990s, when I hit the floor.
The night he contemplated suicide, he called his wife, Cheryl, who “talked to me.” Gascoigne became suicidal at Marchwood Priory Hospital in Hampshire.
Cheryl and Gascoigne married in 1996 and divorced in 1998. Cheryl subsequently published her memoirs in 2009. Stronger: My Life Surviving Gazzawhich details their violent relationship. Gascoigne has admitted to domestic violence against his ex-wife.
“I will always be sorry for the pain I caused him,” Gascoigne said. The Times In a new interview
Gascoigne and Sherrill have three children, including Regan, 29, who won the 2022 season. Dancing on ice. He is also the adoptive father of Mason and Bianca, born to Cheryl and her first husband Colin Kyle.
Earlier this year, Gascoigne was hospitalized in July. the sun He was found “semi-conscious” at home by a friend in Poole, Dorset, he reported.
At the time, his rep said: “Paul voluntarily went to A&E on Friday after struggling with a sore throat for some time. He is now back home and doing well.”
Gascoigne played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers during his career. He helped England reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96.
If you are feeling distressed, or struggling to cope, feel free to speak to the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email [email protected], or visit: The Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are located in the United States and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis line that is available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to that country www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you
