Feted as the most talented English player of his generation, whose tears after their semifinal exit of the 1990 World Cup touched a global audience, Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne had it all.
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His working class background and precious talent drew comparisons with George Best, but like the former Manchester United legend, who died in 2005, the demons of alcohol addiction have taken an ominous toll.
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'' Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late '', said his management agency GamePlan Solutions in a statement released to CNN on Tuesday.
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'' He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment center in America. He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals ''.
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The 45-year-old has been sanctioned three times under Britain's Mental Health Act and made regular trips to rehabilitation clinics.
He needs urgent help!
His condition sounds really bad.
Sad one